What soil does Callery pear grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Callery pear hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Callery pear be planted?

Plant it at least 6 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How much water does Callery pear need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Callery pear

Pyrus calleryana

Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) is a large tree. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium.

Illustration of Callery pear — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A narrow, conical ornamental tree that fits small gardens, front gardens and tight streets: it is covered in white blossom in spring, and its glossy green leaves hold on late before turning yellow, orange and red. It tolerates city air, alkaline and heavy soils, and copes with dry spells once established. The flowers smell unpleasant at close range and the small, hard fruits are not edible.

Watch out for

Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) can attack it and spread on to apples, pears and quinces, so keep it away from orchards. The steeply upright branches form narrow, weak unions that can split in wind, snow and ice (more often in some cultivars), so formative pruning of young trees is worthwhile. The early blossom can be ruined by late frost.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 6 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, white

All details

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	6 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	8–15 m × 2.5–6 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 6 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	500 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants for screening Plants with autumn colour Large trees with autumn colour

Looks good next to it

Holly osmanthus

Osmanthus heterophyllus

Foxglove beardtongue

Penstemon digitalis

Kousa dogwood

Cornus kousa