20th Century Pear
Pyrus pyrifolia 'Nijisseiki'
Height: 35 feet
Spread: 25 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 5
Other Names: Asian Pear, Twentieth Century, Sand Pear
Description:
The most popular Asian pear by far, and among the most ornamental too; consistently produces loads of delicious oblong to rounded yellow-green fruit in summer, flowers render the tree a white-out in spring, orange-red fall color
Edible Qualities
20th Century Pear is a large tree that is typically grown for its edible qualities. It produces yellow round pears (which are botanically known as 'pomes') with hints of red and white flesh which are usually ready for picking in late summer. The pears have a sweet taste and a juicy texture.
The pears are most often used in the following ways:
- Fresh Eating
Features & Attributes
20th Century Pear is clothed in stunning clusters of white flowers with purple anthers along the branches in early spring before the leaves. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The glossy pointy leaves turn an outstanding tomato-orange in the fall. The fruits are showy yellow pears with hints of red, which are carried in abundance in late summer. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up.
This is a deciduous tree with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition. This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Messy
Aside from its primary use as an edible, 20th Century Pear is sutiable for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Shade
- Orchard/Edible Landscaping
Planting & Growing
20th Century Pear will grow to be about 35 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more. This variety requires a different selection of the same species growing nearby in order to set fruit.
This tree is typically grown in a designated area of the yard because of its mature size and spread. It should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
