Pyrus ussuriensis – Manchurian Pear

Pyrus ussuriensis – Manchurian Pear is a medium to large deciduous tree best known for its early spring flowering, dense, symmetrical crown, and fiery autumn display. Maturing to 9–12 metres tall and 6–8 metres wide, it is a strong performer in urban, residential, and rural landscapes, bringing elegance and shade to both formal and natural designs.

In early spring, the tree erupts in masses of pure white flowers, followed by broad, glossy green leaves that provide dense summer coverage. As temperatures cool, the foliage turns stunning shades of orange, red, and burgundy, making it one of the most eye-catching trees of the season.

Pyrus ussuriensis is extremely cold hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and adaptable to loam, clay, or sandy soils—making it a highly flexible and low-maintenance choice. It holds a strong central leader and grows with a naturally uniform shape, often requiring minimal formative pruning.

---

Key Details

• Botanical Name: Pyrus ussuriensis

• Common Name: Manchurian Pear

• Mature Height: 9–12 metres

• Mature Width: 6–8 metres

• Foliage: Broad green leaves; brilliant red, orange, and burgundy in autumn

• Flowers: Masses of white blossoms in early spring

• Form: Rounded, symmetrical canopy; upright growth

• Sunlight: Full sun

• Soil: Adaptable to loam, clay, or sandy soil; well-drained preferred

• Drought Tolerance: Moderate to high once established

• Frost Tolerance: Excellent; cold hardy

• Maintenance: Low; light formative pruning if required

• Uses: Feature tree, street planting, avenue planting, shade tree

• Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous

Common Name: Manchurian Pear

Genus: Pyrus

Botanical Species: ussuriensis

Family: Rosaceae

Botanical Name: Pyrus ussuriensis

• Feature Tree
• Street Tree
• Avenue Planting
• Screening or Privacy

Pyrus ussuriensis – Manchurian Pear 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.

Pyrus ussuriensis – Manchurian Pear is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height: 8m - 12m Approximately

Mature Width: 6 – 8 m

Pyrus ussuriensis – Manchurian Pear is expected to grow Approx 30cm – 60 cm per year (moderate).

Pyrus ussuriensis – Manchurian Pear is expected to grow Approx 30cm – 60 cm per year (moderate).

They are considered to have a:

• Medium Growth Rate

Is Pyrus ussuriensis – Manchurian Pear frost tolerant?

Pyrus ussuriensis – Manchurian Pear is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

• 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

Pyrus ussuriensis produces masses of pure white blossoms in early spring, often before the foliage emerges. The flowers create a striking, highly ornamental display that covers the entire canopy, making this species one of the most showy flowering pears for seasonal impact.

Does Pyrus ussuriensis – Manchurian Pear flower?

• Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

• Spring

Flower Type:

• Clustered

Flower Colour:

White

No

Pyrus ussuriensis – Manchurian Pear is Native to Native to northeast Asia, including China, Korea, and Manchuria, where it grows in cool temperate regions. Widely cultivated for its ornamental display and adaptability.

Its profusion of spring blossoms provides nectar and pollen for bees and beneficial insects, while the dense summer canopy offers shelter and light nesting sites for small birds. The tree supports a healthy seasonal food web and is particularly valuable in suburban gardens where flowering trees enhance biodiversity.

Pyrus ussuriensis – Manchurian Pear will thrive best in:

• Full Sun

Pyrus ussuriensis performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It will also tolerate lighter sandy soils if enriched with organic matter to support moisture retention and fertility. Avoid heavy clay, compacted or waterlogged soils unless significantly improved, as poor drainage can restrict root health and reduce flowering. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures. Ready for the next one, Arabella — just send it through.

Is Pyrus ussuriensis – Manchurian Pear Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular deep watering to establish well. Once established, Manchurian Pear develops good drought tolerance and performs reliably through warm, dry periods when planted in well-drained soil. Occasional supplementary watering during extended heat helps maintain foliage quality and consistent seasonal growth.