Pyrus kawakamii
Common: Evergreen pear, Chinese evergreen pear
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: China, Japan
Sunset Zone: 8, 9, 12-24
Temperature: Hardy to cold. Hot, windy desert conditions can cause foliage to turn brown.
Light: Full sun, but benefits from afternoon shade.
Soil: Tolerant of most soils
Water: Moderate water
Perfect for courtyards, patios and gardens. Broad, sprawling shrub or multi-trunked small tree. Grows slowly to 30 ft. with equal spread. Partly deciduous in coldest winters in coldest zones.
Glossy, oval, pointed leaves of medium green. Winter foliage is red. Clustered fragrant white flowers appear in sheets and masses in winter to early spring, short-lived but spectacular. Small inedible fruit, bronze green.
Spray for aphids and watch for fire blight, which can disfigure or destroy plants. Occasional iron and zinc treatments will help prevent disease. Susceptible to iron chlorosis, crown gall, and Texas root rot.
Heavily pruned trees seldom flower. To make tree of evergreen pear, stake one or several branches, shorten side growth, and keep staked until trunk is established. Established, well-shaped plants need little pruning.