Fortunately, fruit isn't apt to develop unless there is another kind of ornamental pear nearby to serve as a pollinator. Researchers at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum consider the Korean ornamental pear the best for northern climates. It grows naturally as a 10-foot shrub, but you can also prune it to make a small tree. Trees labeled as a variety of Callery pear called Fauriei sometimes turn out to be larger than Korean pear, more like Bradford. Until the experts can agree about the names, ask questions before you buy.
All ornamental pears do best in full sun.
Cut off any suckers that sprout at the tree's base as soon as you notice them. Also remove water sprouts, the upright shoots that grow from the branches. All rights reserved. Material from this site may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed. A Lee Enterprises subsidiary.