Javelin Ornamental Pear / Javelin Pear
Botanical Name: Pyrus calleryana x pyrifolia 'Javelin'
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: East Asia
Plant Type: Deciduous tree
Overview
A superb narrow, columnar ornamental pear for Adelaide and South Australian gardens, ‘Javelin’ brings clouds of white blossom in late winter–spring, a tight, upright summer canopy, and fiery orange-red to burgundy autumn colour. Its pencil-slim habit makes it perfect for driveways, boundaries and courtyards where width is limited. Tough and low-maintenance once established, it thrives in SA heat, wind and urban sites.
Key Features
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Mature Size: 7–10 m H × 1–1.5 (to 2) m W (very narrow, fastigiate form)
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Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
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Foliage: Glossy mid- to dark-green spring–summer; orange, red and burgundy tones in autumn
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Flowers: Masses of white blossom late winter to early spring (Aug–Sept in SA)
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Seasonal Interest: Early spring blossom → slim, cooling summer screen → striking autumn colour → neat winter silhouette
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Wildlife Value: Attracts Bees; Good for Pollinators; Attracts Birds (perching/nesting shelter)
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Tolerance: Heat-Tolerant; Drought-Tolerant (once established); Frost Hardy; Wind-Tolerant; Clay-Tolerant (with drainage); Coastal-Tolerant in sheltered Adelaide coastal site
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Planting Density: Narrow screen: 1.2–1.8 m apart; Avenue/specimen: 2–3 m apart (or 1 tree per 4–9 m²) depending on desired density
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Pet Friendly: Use caution. Like other pears, seeds/pips contain cyanogenic compounds if chewed; foliage/fruit flesh generally not troublesome
Where It Works Best
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Sunlight: Full sun (best flowering and autumn colour)
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Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates improved clay; avoid waterlogging
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Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
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Maintenance: Light formative prune in late winter to keep a single leader and slim profile; mulch in spring; balanced feed in early spring.
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Lifespan: 25-50 years
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Climate Zones: Ideal for temperate & Mediterranean SA, including urban Adelaide and inland heat
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Soil pH: Slightly acid to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline if drainage is good
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Tight boundary or side-of-drive screen where space is at a premium
- Formal avenue creating vertical rhythm without canopy spread
- Statement columns flanking gates, courtyards or entry paths
Why You Will Love It
‘Javelin’ gives you heights of privacy without the width, so it fits modern Adelaide blocks beautifully. Expect spring blossom, summer shade and knockout autumn colour—all from a hardy, low-fuss tree.
