Pyrocydonia danielii

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Pyrocydonia danielii is a deciduous Tree growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 5

Where it is found

Not known in the wild.

A graft hybrid of garden origin, Cydonia oblonga x Pyrus communis 'Williams Bon Cretien'

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw or cooked. Fully ripe fruits are crisp and juicy and the flavour is rather pear-like, though of inferior quality to most pears.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a good well-drained loam in full sun. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates light shade but does not fruit so well in such a position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution, excessive moisture and a range of soil types if they are moderately fertile. Established plants are drought tolerant.

Propagating it: Seed. A bigeneric hybrid, it will not breed true from seed even if fertile seed is produced. If by chance you do obtain seed, then it is best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of softwood in early summer, treated with rooting hormone and rooted in a closed case with bottom heat. Grafting onto Pyrus communis.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Pyronia danielii.