Ornamental Pear / Cleveland Select Pear
Botanical Name: Pyrus calleryana 'Cleveland Select'
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: East Asia (China/Korea)
Plant Type: Deciduous tree
Overview
A top-performing ornamental pear for Adelaide and South Australian gardens, ‘Cleveland Select’ offers clouds of white blossom in late winter–spring, a dense, upright summer canopy, and fiery orange-red to burgundy foliage in autumn. Naturally narrow and pyramidal, it’s ideal where height and year-round structure are needed without excessive width. Tough, wind-firm and urban tolerant, it’s a low-fuss choice once established.
Key Features
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Mature Size: 10–12 m H × 5–6 m W (upright, pyramidal canopy)
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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 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 → dense, cooling summer screen → brilliant autumn colour → neat winter silhouette
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Wildlife Value: Attracts Bees; Good for Pollinators; Attracts Birds (perching/nesting)
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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 sites
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Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 16–25 m² (4–5 m apart); Narrow screen/driveway: 2.5–3 m apart
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Pet Friendly: Use caution. As with 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 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 structural prune in late winter to maintain form (avoid topping); 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/coastal Adelaide (with some shelter)
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Soil pH: Slightly acid to neutral (tolerates mildly alkaline if drainage is good)
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Formal avenue or driveway at 3–4 m spacing for a crisp, upright rhythm
- Narrow boundary screen where height and privacy are needed without width
- Feature tree for courtyards/front gardens showcasing blossom and autumn colour
Why You Will Love It
‘Cleveland Select’ delivers four seasons of impact in a space-savvy, upright shape—perfect for Adelaide-size blocks. It’s elegant, tough and low-maintenance, bringing blossom, shade and autumn drama with minimal fuss.
