Tree · Rosaceae family
common pear
Pyrus communis
In short a 10-second read
Common pear (tree) grows to 5–15 m tall and 4–9 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. It flowers in April; the flowers are white. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 4–9 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 6–8
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
April · white
Pruning
cut back by a third (November–March)
Planting
container plant: October–April; bare-root: October–March; root-balled: October–March
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does common pear flower?
In April; the flowers are white.
Does common pear tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does common pear need?
At maturity 4–9 m wide and 5–15 m tall; recommended spacing 500 cm.
Does common pear survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (14)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Pyrus communis
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Pyrus communis
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Pyrus communis
- EPPO Global Database — Pyrus communis
- RHS - Winter pruning apples and pears
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow trees
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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