Manchurian Pear
What Is A Manchurian Pear Tree?
The Manchurian pear tree offers attractive foliage and colorful blooms and it also produces small fruit. Although the fruit look more like berries and are not edible, it is inviting to bees and birds and can attract them to any garden area. This tree is used for decorating landscapes and it is know for the bright red autumn foliage it produces. The Manchurian pear tree also is a hearty plant that does well in cooler climates.
This tree can grow to reach a full 45 feet tall. It has dark green leaves that change colors in the fall and winter and these colors include gold, yellow, red and burgundy. It is known to be one of the first plants that flower in the spring and it produces tiny white blooms that have a pleasant fragrance. It is native in northern Japan, Korea and Manchuria but this plant can live and thrive almost anywhere. But there are a few things to remember before planting a Manchurian pear tree.
It is recommended that you plant your tree in full direct sunlight. This is good for all flowering plants because it makes the plant healthier and improves the foliage. It also produces more of those beautiful blooms and fruits. If the tree does experience a few hours of shading, this is also fine. It may even help shield the blooms and fruit from the intense summer sun.
Before you plant your Manchurian pear tree you should do a soil test. This plant likes acidic soil so you might want to add a bit of compost or manure if your soil comes up short. If neither of these things are available in your area, you can purchase another type of fertilizer from your local gardening center. Mix the fertilizer into the soil and water thoroughly. Wait a full week before planting your tree.
With any type of smaller tree that has not yet fully matured, you will have to make sure the root system does not sit in any water for a long period of time. You can plant the Manchurian pear tree on a slight hill so that any water will drain away from the roots. After the tree matures you can level the ground back to normal. Make sure the soil surrounding the plant stays moist most of the time. You should water the young plant at least twice a week.
If you live in a windy area it may be a good idea to stake up your young tree. You can use a metal pole or a longer stick of wood. Insert the pole into the ground behind the young plant. Make sure not to penetrate any of the roots and you can also make sure that the pole is sturdy. Use 3 or 4 cotton ribbons to tie the tree to the stake. Place the ties around the base of the middle of the tree. Loosely secure the ties and never make the ties too tight for the tree to grow. Keep an eye on the tree and loosen and move the ties as the tree grows. When the tree appears to be stronger and sturdy, you can remove the stake.
The Manchurian pear tree is an excellent addition to any yard or garden area. It is tolerant of air pollution and grows even in extremely moist and wet soils. Although it can be damaged by excessive wind, this plant is disease and insect resistant and the colorful foliage can be enjoyed year round. When all the other plants have lost their leaves and fruit, this plant brightens a dreary winter yard with a splash of crimson color.