Pyrus salicifolia 'PENDULA'

Among quite a few English names of this species I think that silver pear is best. This deciduous tree really belongs to a pear family and has silvery blue-green, willow-like, narrow leaves. They emerge much greener in mid spring, along with the white, scented, 5-petalled flowers that are followed by small, rounded, non-edible fruit.

Pendula is a variety with quite disorganized mop-like canopy with somewhat weeping branches. They grow to all sides and eventually bend down but never expect a strict willow-like weeping form. It is so popular for a specific reason – its silver foliage and quite wild habit makes an excellent image of an olive tree. Apart from the trunk and fruit, obviously. So if you live in a climate colder that what olives can take use this weeping silver pear as a fantastic and hardy olive substitute when you are making a Mediterranean-style landscape.

Silver pear is very easy to grow. It loves full sun and warm locations. It can take some drought when established. The soil should be fertile, reasonably drained, no specific pH demands. For best result prune it hard every spring after flowering when the tree is young. Leave only 10-20% of previous year’s wood so that all new shoots are fresh and full of foliage. Hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4) and can be grown in a large outdoor container where it will need regular fertilizing after a few years.

Last update 17-12-2012