Pyrus calleryana 'Capital' Tree

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Medium

Dry Soil: High

Lime: Medium

Pyrus calleryana ‘Capital’ is an elegant and versatile tree known for its slender grown habit and ornamental qualities. It is the cultivar of the Callery pear species which is native to China. ‘Capital’ is more upright and columnar than the Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ making it the narrowest of pears.

One of the most notable characteristics of the ‘Capital’ is its foliage. Leaves emerge in spring and turn a glossy dark green come summer. These cling on to the tree until late autumn when they turn vibrant purples and reds.

In early spring, ‘Capital’ showcases abundant clusters of small, white flowers. These create a striking contrast against the deep glossy green leaves. The fragrant flowers attract pollinators making it an ecologically significant tree. The flowers give way to small brown fruits which last into winter. These are a valuable food source for birds in the colder months.

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Size

Medium

8m high x 3m wide after 25 years

Environment

A great tree for avenues, streets, industrial areas and coastal areas.

Canopy

Narrowly columnar, half open crown.

Foliage

Leaves emerge in spring, turn dark and glossy during summer. In late autumn, leaves will turn a vibrant purple-red.

Flowers

Small white clusters of white flowers emerge in spring. These are fragrant and great for pollinators.

Fruit

Small brown fruits.

Resilience

For best autumn colour, grow in full sun. Likes loam, humus and clay soil and will adapt to some drought once established. Highly resistant to fire blight and tolerant to air pollution.