Pyrus Ussuriensis

Manchurian Pear / Ussurian Pear

Botanical Name: Pyrus ussuriensis
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: Northeast Asia
Plant Type: Deciduous tree

Overview

A classic Manchurian/Asian pear prized for clouds of white blossom in late winter–spring and brilliant autumn colour in Adelaide and across South Australia. Forms a strong, symmetrical canopy that’s superb for avenues, streetscapes and feature planting. Tough, heat- and frost-hardy once established, with good tolerance of heavier clays if drainage is reasonable.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 8–12 m H × 6–9 m W (pyramidal to broad-rounded canopy)
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Glossy deep-green leaves; turn rich yellow, orange, red and burgundy in autumn
• Flowers: Masses of single white blossom in late winter–spring (Aug–Oct in SA)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Spring blossom → cool, dense summer shade → vibrant autumn foliage → tidy winter silhouette (decorative branching)
• Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and other pollinators; birds may forage on small fruit
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant (once established), Heat-Tolerant, Frost Hardy, Wind-Tolerant, Clay-Tolerant; Moderately Coastal-Tolerant in sheltered sites
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 16–25 m² (4–5 m apart), depending on desired canopy
  Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic to pets; avoid allowing pets to chew seeds/woody parts

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (essential for best flowering and colour; tolerates light shade)
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or clay loam; avoid waterlogging
• 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
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; shape prune in winter (when dormant); remove any suckers; light deadwood tidy after flowering if needed
• Lifespan: 25-50 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, from Adelaide Plains to sheltered Hills sites
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred; tolerates mildly alkaline if drainage is good

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Avenue or driveway plantings for a spectacular spring-and-autumn show
• Feature lawn tree for cooling summer shade and seasonal drama near patios or entries
• Street and boundary planting where a tough, elegant canopy is needed

Why You Will Love It

Manchurian pear gives you a show-stopping spring blossom display followed by fiery autumn foliage—reliable, dramatic colour for Adelaide gardens with very little fuss. It’s tough in heat, handles frost, and grows happily in heavier SA soils, making it a dependable hero tree for avenues and feature planting.