One of the prettiest trees for a small garden is the weeping willow-leaf pear. Its small size and fine-textured silver-green foliage are enough to recommend it but it has even more to offer. In spring, pink tipped flower buds emerge and open to white flowers before the leaves appear. The leaves have a silver color at first but gradually turn a silver green color that is outstanding among silvered leaved trees. After the leaves drop in the fall, the lovely weeping habit can be enjoyed until spring when the flowers and new leaves emerge. Unfortunately this gem of a tree is susceptible to fire blight, as many other pears and apples are. It does best where summers are cool.
Type: Weeping deciduous tree.
Outstanding Features: Silver green foliage; weeping habit; spring flowers.
Form: Rounded; weeping.
Growth Rate: Moderate.
Bloom: Creamy white flowers in spring.
Size: 15-25’ H x 10-15’ W.
Light: Full sun –part shade.
Soil: Average, medium moisture, well drained but tolerates clay and alkaline soils; drought tolerant when established.
Hardiness: Zones 4-7.
Pests and Diseases: Fireblight can be a serious problem.
Propagation: Sow seeds in cold frames as soon as they ripen in the fall.
Comments: Polution tolerant; dormant plants are frost resistant.
Karen Meyers