Pyrus x salvifolia

DC.

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit

gbif· cc-by

Meise Botanic Garden

gbif· cc-by

Meise Botanic Garden

gbif· cc-by

Meise Botanic Garden

Description

Pyrus x salvifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 6 m (19ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in April. 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 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.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Up to 2.5cm long.

Distribution

A garden hybrid, possibly P. nivalis x P. communis.

Where It Grows

Iran, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, Türkiye.

Cultivation

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. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. Closely related to P. nivalis. Cultivated as a perry pear in France.

Propagation

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. This species is a hybrid and is unlikely to breed true to type from seed.