Pyronia veitchii

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Pyronia veitchii is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 5

Where it is found

Not known in the wild.

A garden hybrid, Cydonia oblonga var. 'Portugal' x Pyrus communis 'Bergamotte Esperen'.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Fruit - raw or cooked. Rather like a small pear, it has a good flavour when fully ripe. The fruit is usually seedless.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a good well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution. This plant is a bi-generic hybrid between a quince and a pear. The main flowering time is in the spring but plants often also produce flowers in the autumn.

Propagating it: Seed - the fruit is usually seedless and, since it is a bi-generic hybrid, even if seed is produced it is not going to breed true. If you do come across seed then it is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in late winter in a cold frame. The seed may take 12 months or more to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, June/July in a frame, or of mature wood, November in a frame, can be tried but are unlikely to bring much success. The most productive means of propagation are budding or grafting.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cydonia veitchii.