Pyrus ussuriensis

Description: A well known medium-sized tree that flowers very early in spring and has bright autumn leaf colour that is held well on the branches. Pyrus ussuriensis is suitable for many landscapes, including parks and large gardens. Botanical Name Pyrus ussuriensis Common

Name: Manchurian Pear

Family: Rosaceae.

Height: 9H x 7W meters

Foliage: Glossy, dark green rounded leaves turning to varying autumn tones of plum-red, scarlet and gold. Foliage is held on the tree well into late autumn.
 
Flower: White flowers to 3 cm across in early spring are pale pink in bud. One of the first ornamental pears to flower in spring.

Fruit: Inedible, greenish-yellow, globose pomes up to 3 cm in diameter.

Bark: The young branches are purplish-brown.

Habitat: Dense, rounded. Pyramidal when young.

Watering Needs: Water when normal rainfall does not provide the preferred 1 inch of moisture most plants prefer. Average water is needed during the growing season, but take care not to over water. The first two years after a plant is installed, regular watering is important. The first year is critical. It is better to water once a week and water deeply, than to water frequently for a few minutes.

Light: Full Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day.

Fertilization for Young Plants : Young plants need extra phosphorus to encourage good root development. Look for a fertilizer that has phosphorus, P, in it(the second number on the bag.) Apply recommended amount for plant per label directions in the soil at time of planting or at least during the first growing season.

Fertilization for Established Plants : Established plants can benefit from fertilization. Take a visual inventory of your landscape. Trees need to be fertilized every few years. Shrubs and other plants in the landscape can be fertilized yearly. A soil test can determine existing nutrient levels in the soil. If one or more nutrients is low, a specific instead of an all-purpose fertilizer may be required. Fertilizers that are high in N, nitrogen, will promote green leafy growth. Excess nitrogen in the soil can cause excessive vegetative growth on plants at the expense of flower bud development. It is best to avoid fertilizing late in the growing season. Applications made at that time can force lush, vegetative growth that will not have a chance to harden off before the onset of cold weather.

Tolerances: Adaptable to a variety of conditions including moderate drought, air pollution and exposure. May struggle in very warm regions and in compacted soils.

Pest Control - Aphids:  Keep weeds to an absolute minimum, especially around desirable plants. On edibles, wash off infected area of plant. Lady bugs and lacewings will feed on aphids in the garden. There are various products - organic and inorganic - that can be used to control aphids. Seek the recommendation of a professional and follow all label procedures to a tee.

Pest Control - Powdery Mildew: Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation. Always water from below, keeping water off the foliage. This is paramount for roses . Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer. Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly, not missing any required treatments. Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves, flowers, or debris in the fall and destroy.

Pest Control - Caterpillars:  keep weeds down, scout individual plants and remove caterpillars, apply labeled insecticides such as soaps and oils, take advantage of natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden and use Bacillus thuringiensis (biological warfare) for some caterpillar species.