Weeping Silver Pear Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula'
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as the Weeping Pear showcases a unique and visually striking profile. Its gracefully arching branches drape downward in a weeping habit, which gives the plant its common name. These drooping boughs are covered in narrow, silvery-gray leaves that resemble those of a willow, hence its species name that hints at a willow-like leaf appearance. Throughout the seasons, the foliage maintains its silver-gray hue, offering a stunning contrast to typical green landscapes. In springtime, the Weeping Pear is adorned with a beautiful display of small, creamy-white flowers. These blossoms are delicately arranged, seemingly dancing along the cascading branches, which adds to the plant's aesthetic appeal. After the bloom, small inedible fruit may develop, usually not particularly noticeable against the dense foliage. The overall impression given by the Weeping Pear is one of elegance and delicacy, with its pendant branches and refined leaf texture presenting a soft, flowing silhouette that can be a focal point in any garden setting. Its tolerance for various soil types and ability to withstand different climates makes it a versatile choice for ornamental planting. The weeping habit and silvery foliage create a captivating visual that can complement many garden designs, from formal to more naturalistic settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Weeping Silver Pear, Willow-leaved Pear, Silver-leaved Weeping Pear.
Common names
Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula'.
ToxicityTo humans
Weeping pear (Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula') is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to humans. However, as with many plants, ingestion of large quantities or certain plant parts could cause stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some individuals. It is generally advised to avoid eating ornamental plants unless they are known to be edible.
To pets
Weeping pear is not commonly recognized as toxic to pets. Even though the risk of toxicity is low, ingestion of large amounts of the plant could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset in some animals. Generally, it's best to prevent pets from consuming plants that are not intended for their diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Silver-gray
Flower color
White
Height
15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 meters)
Spread
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Middle East
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Weeping Pear offers visual interest with its elegant weeping habit and silver foliage, which can complement various garden themes.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardeners with limited time.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides year-round interest with its silver-gray leaves, white spring flowers, and golden autumn foliage change.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Shade Provision: Its canopy offers a cooling shade, making it a good choice for sunny gardens or to provide shelter on hot days.
- Privacy Screen: The tree can be used to create privacy due to its dense foliage and can be an elegant alternative to conventional fences or walls.
- Urban Tolerance: The Weeping Pear is tolerant of pollution and can thrive in urban settings, making it suitable for city landscaping.
- Soil Adaptability: It can grow in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained conditions, which eases the requirement for soil amendments.
- Small Garden Suitable: Due to its compact size, it is ideal for small gardens, patios, or as a focal point in a landscape design.
- Windbreak: The tree can act as a windbreak, protecting more delicate plants and reducing wind speed in gardens and landscapes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula', commonly known as weeping silver pear, can be used as a natural privacy screen due to its dense and weeping foliage.
- The weeping silver pear's elegant form and distinctive silver-gray leaves provide an excellent backdrop for photography, particularly in garden settings and during weddings.
- The branches of the weeping silver pear can be used in floral arrangements or as part of wreaths, providing a unique silvery texture and visual interest.
- The tree's weeping habit and striking appearance can be used to create a focal point in landscape design, drawing the eye and adding aesthetic value to a garden.
- Bonsai enthusiasts might find the weeping silver pear attractive for creating miniature landscapes due to its interesting form and leaf color.
- The wood of the weeping silver pear can be utilized in woodworking and craft projects where small amounts of ornamental wood are desired.
- Gardeners can graft compatible fruiting pear varieties onto the rootstock of the weeping silver pear to combine ornamental and fruit production qualities.
- Because of its drought tolerance, the weeping silver pear can be used in xeriscaping, contributing to water conservation efforts in landscapes.
- The tree can be planted in urban environments as it has a high tolerance to pollution and can contribute to urban greenery.
- The weeping branches of the weeping silver pear can be used to create natural play areas or outdoor "nooks" for children, providing shade and a sense of enchantment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Weeping Pear is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Weeping Pear is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace - Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula', commonly known as Weeping Pear, has a serene and graceful appearance that may symbolize peace and tranquility.
- Elegance - With its slender, drooping branches and silvery foliage, the Weeping Pear embodies a form of natural elegance and is often associated with sophistication and grace.
- Survival and Resilience - Weeping Pears are hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions, which can represent an individual's ability to endure challenges and survive against the odds.
- Renewal - As a pear tree, it produces blossoms in the spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal that comes with the changing of the seasons.
- Tenderness - The delicate and weeping form of this tree may evoke feelings of tenderness and emotional depth, reflecting the softer side of nature.
WaterWeeping Pear trees should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a strong root system; they generally require watering every 7 to 10 days during the growing season, particularly if there's been no significant rainfall. The exact amount can vary based on soil type and climate, but as a rule of thumb, provide about 10-15 gallons per watering session to ensure moisture penetrates deeply. Newly planted trees need more frequent watering, about twice a week, to help them establish, tapering off as they mature. During the dormant winter season, reduce watering significantly, but don't allow the soil to become completely dry.
LightThe Weeping Pear favors full sun to partial shade conditions, with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily being ideal. A spot with ample morning sunlight and some protection from intense afternoon heat can help prevent stress during the hottest parts of the year.
TemperatureWeeping Pears thrive in a range of temperatures but are best suited to USDA zones 4 through 8, meaning they can tolerate minimum temperatures of approximately -30 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing temperatures range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the active growing season. They can withstand brief temperature extremes outside this range but flourish in moderate climates.
PruningPrune Weeping Pears in late winter or early spring before new growth starts to maintain their shape and health and to remove any damaged or diseased branches. Pruning should be done annually, focusing on thinning out overcrowded branches to allow light and air circulation, which can help prevent disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Weeping Pear prefers well-drained, loamy soil. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand would be ideal to ensure adequate drainage and fertility. Aim for a soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
RepottingSince the Weeping Pear is commonly grown as an ornamental garden tree, it does not require repotting. It is typically planted directly in the ground and doesn’t need frequent transplanting.
Humidity & MistingThe Weeping Pear does well in average outdoor humidity levels. It is not particularly sensitive to humidity, so typical ambient moisture in an outdoor environment is sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth; requires outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePyrus salicifolia 'Pendula', commonly known as weeping silver pear, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedling emerges from the seed and develops into a young plant with roots, a shoot, and leaves, taking nutrients from the soil and energy from the sun. As it matures, the tree develops a distinctive pendulous habit with narrow, silvery-gray leaves and a silvery-white trunk, becoming fully grown in several years depending on environmental conditions. The weeping silver pear then reaches the flowering stage, producing creamy white flowers in spring that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. Following pollination, the tree produces small, inedible pear-like fruits that can disseminate seeds for the next generation. The weeping silver pear can live for many decades and, barring disease or environmental stress, will go through cycles of dormancy in winter and growth in spring and summer annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Weeping Pear, Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula', is through softwood cuttings. This technique typically takes place in late spring or early summer when the tree's new growth is not yet mature and is still flexible. Cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches long and contain several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mixture, ensuring at least a couple of leaf nodes are buried. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings are usually placed under a protective environment like a greenhouse or under plastic to maintain high humidity levels. Roots ordinarily develop within a few weeks to a few months, after which the new Weeping Pear plants can be gradually acclimated to outside conditions.
