Even if the name suggests it: the copper pear tree is not a pear tree. On the contrary: the tree or bush bears berries.
Copper red leaves in spring and edible fruits give the service pear (Amelanchier lamarckii) its name. The multi-stemmed shrub or tree originally comes from North America and belongs to the rose family. The pear sprout vigorously in spring and, together with the reddish, oval leaves, forms many delicate, white, star-shaped flowers.
The bronze to copper-colored leaves, together with the flowers, are a beautiful eye-catcher and ideal for bees. In summer the foliage, which is hairy on the underside, turns dark green. A new color variant will be available in autumn. The leaf color changes to yellow to orange-red and dark red.
Amelanchier lamarckii - flower and fruits
After flowering (April to June), small spherical fruits appear, which appear purple to blue-black. These berries are a popular bird seed. You can also eat the berries raw or use them to make jam, juice or jelly. The berries are ripe when they give way slightly when pressed with a finger. By the way, the small fruits have nothing to do with pears. They taste more like blueberries. Fruits that remain on the bush dry up in autumn and then resemble raisins. The copper rock pear is therefore also called currant tree.
Copper pear - small plant profile
| Copper Pear (Amelanchier lamarckii) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 20 - 25 cm a year |
| Growth: | 400 - 600 cm |
| Growth: | 500 - 600 cm |
| Root system: | Shallow roots |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | normal garden soil |
Plant Copper Pear
Rock pear trees are usually sold in containers and can therefore be planted all year round. However, the best time is spring or autumn. It is important that you dig a planting hole in which the balehas enough space. After inserting the bush, the planting hole is filled with the excavated soil and trampled down. You should water your young plant regularly for the first few days.
Growth and growth behavior
Copper Rock Pear can grow up to six meters high and six to eight meters wide, but there are also small varieties. The shrub grows slowly, between 30 and 60 centimeters per year. An occasional topiary can be used to keep height and width in check. The multi-stemmed growth, which gives the crown an unusual umbrella shape, is striking. While the amelanchier is often used as a hedge in public parks, the copper service pear is a popular house tree in the garden.
Location and soil conditions
The copper pear grows particularly well in a sunny to semi-shady place. The soil should be slightly sandy and well drained with an acidic touch. Adding compost when planting is particularly good for the shrub. The pear tree does not need a windbreak. The Amelanchier lamarckii is also hardy and frost-resistant and can therefore be kept in a sufficiently large bucket.
Amelanchier - important care measures
Casting:
The copper pear is extremely easy to care for and undemanding. Once planted, it needs plenty of water. Later the rain will suffice. The shrub even copes well with long periods of drought or wetness.
Fertilize:
Compost is suitable as fertilizer and must be worked into the root environment in spring.
Cut:
Attention:
Only cut off branches directly at the branches!
A topiary is only necessary if the plant becomes too sprawling. You can remove shoots that grow crosswise and disturb the overall structure in the late winter - on frost-free days. Pruning is allowed even if the crown appears bare from the inside or if too many branches cross each other.
Control of diseases and pests
The copper service pear is largely resistant to pests and diseases. The only dangers are powdery mildew and fire blight. The signs of fire blight are wilted leaves and flowers and a brown to black discoloration. The affected parts of the plant must be generously removed down to the he althy wood.
Important: Fire blight is mandatory!