Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'

Name: Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
Price: 5000.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$5,000.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 750L

750L 100L 40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: Approx. 1.5m – 2.8m tall
100L: Approx. 2.6m – 3m tall
750L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'

Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' (Bradford Pear) looks excellent when planted as a striking street tree, shade tree, or ornamental feature in both residential and urban landscapes. Its broad pyramidal to rounded form, reaching 12–15 meters tall with a 6–9 meter spread, provides strong seasonal structure and a formal, symmetrical silhouette that commands attention.

In spring, 'Bradford' is covered with abundant white blossoms that create a dramatic, cloud-like floral display before the leaves emerge. Through summer, glossy dark green leaves add lush texture, while autumn turns the foliage into vibrant shades of red, purple, and orange—delivering eye-catching seasonal color.

This cultivar pairs well with underplantings of low shrubs or groundcovers to soften its canopy edges and add layered interest. It thrives best in full sun and adapts to various soils, making it a versatile choice for parks, streetscapes, and large gardens.

Maintenance is low to moderate; regular pruning helps maintain its shape and prevent branch splitting. Moderate watering supports establishment and drought resilience once mature. Overall, 'Bradford' Pear offers impressive floral beauty, vibrant fall color, and reliable urban performance with a classic, elegant presence.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m - 15m Approximately

Mature Width: 6 – 9 m

Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' is expected to grow Approx 40 – 70 cm per year (moderate).

Frost Tolerance

Is Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' frost tolerant?

Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Flowering Information

Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’ produces masses of pure white, five-petalled blossoms in early spring. The rounded flower clusters cover the tree before or as the new leaves emerge, creating a bright, showy display that stands out in streetscapes and ornamental plantings.

Native Information

Is Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' an Australian Native? No

Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' is Native to Native to China and Vietnam, where Pyrus calleryana occurs naturally. ‘Bradford’ is one of the earliest and most widely planted ornamental cultivars, known for its uniform shape and seasonal display.

Wildlife Value

Its abundant spring blossoms attract bees and early-season pollinators. The small, hard autumn fruits are eaten by certain bird species, while the dense branching offers shelter, perching and seasonal nesting sites, contributing biodiversity value to suburban and landscape plantings.

Sunlight Information

Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preffered Soil

Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It adapts to poorer urban soils but may struggle in heavy, compacted or waterlogged clay unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then move to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support drought resilience, strong root development and consistent spring flowering.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Bradford Pear

Genus: Pyrus

Botanical Species: calleryana

Family: Rosaceae

Botanical Name: Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'

Landscape Uses

Feature Tree
Street Tree
Avenue Planting
Screening or Privacy

Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant:

Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring it is at the correct depth.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.

Feature Planting: Space 6 – 8 m apart for full canopy development

Hedging & Screening: N/A

Avenue Planting: Space 6 – 8 m apart for balanced rows.

Caring for Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford':

Water regularly, especially during extended dry periods, to establish a deep, extensive root system.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Prune as needed to remove any damaged or crossing branches and to maintain its shape. It's important to prune correctly to prevent weak branch structures.

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Pyrus calleryana 'Aristocrat' prefers well-drained soil but adapts to various conditions:

Sandy Soil: Retains less moisture—add compost to improve water retention and nutrients.

Clay Soil: Can become compacted—improve with organic matter and sand for better aeration.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for strong root development and consistent growth.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Tolerates a wide pH range, preferring slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' is expected to grow Approx 40 – 70 cm per year (moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Bradford’ offers good drought tolerance. Hardy and adaptable, it performs well in warm, dry and urban environments, maintaining its dense, rounded canopy with only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Flowering Information

Does Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford' flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

White

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the best time to plant Bradford Pear trees?
Planting in early spring or fall is ideal, allowing the tree to establish before the extremes of summer or winter.
How often should I water my Bradford Pear tree?
Regular watering is crucial, especially during the tree’s establishment phase and in periods of drought.
Is Bradford Pear susceptible to any pests or diseases?
While generally robust, Bradford Pear trees can be susceptible to fire blight, a common bacterial disease, and other pests typical to pear trees.
Can Bradford Pear trees be pruned into a specific shape?
Yes, they respond well to pruning, which is necessary to maintain their structural integrity and aesthetic form.
What are the considerations before planting Bradford Pear trees?
While beautiful, they have been known to have weak wood and invasive tendencies in some regions. It's important to consider these factors and consult local guidelines before planting.