Pyrus regellii

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Pyrus regellii is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in). 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. 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 9

Where it is found

Dry stony slopes, rocks, sometimes in valleys on deeper moist soils, 1000 - 2000 metres.

W. Asia - Turkestan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is about 3cm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Used as a rootstock.

Rootstock: Plants used as the rootstock for grafting scions onto.

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 very drought resistant. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. Cultivated for its edible fruit in China and Japan, there are many named varieties. A hybrid between this plant and P. communis culta is more suitable for warmer climates. The leaves are remarkably variable in shape. Trees are used in the re-afforestation of arid areas.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, it will then usually germinate in mid to late winter. Stored seed requires 8 - 10 weeks cold stratification at 1°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Temperatures over 15 - 20°c induce a secondary dormancy in the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. heterophylla.