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x Sorbopyrus auricularis

x Sorbopyrus auricularis (irregularis)
European pear and common whitebeam hybrid

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More information

A very rare botanical curiosity in cultivation, of Alsatian origin, with delicious fruits. This large tree, a cross between a Common Pear and a Sorbus, first mentioned in written records in 1610, produces fruits with a delicious and unique flavour. Resembling small pears the size of an apricot, they have a firm, buttery, sweet, and fragrant flesh. Although it has rarely been cultivated for its fruit throughout the centuries, it is truly worth it, provided one has the patience to wait for its long fruiting period.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
15 m
Spread at maturity
5 m
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to December
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Flowering time April to May
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Description

The Bollwyller Pear or x Sorbopyrus auricularis is an original hybrid, very interesting for the quality of its fruits. It is the result of a cross between a common pear tree, Pyrus communis, and a whitebeam tree, Sorbus aria. According to existing literature, it first appeared in 1610 in Botwiller, Alsace. Although it is present for its botanical value in several arboretums around the world, it has been very little cultivated for its fruit, which is nevertheless quite interesting. However, patience is required, as it is known to produce its first flowering and fruiting only after 10 years of cultivation. The fruit, resembling a small pear, has a fairly firm flesh that is buttery, sweet, and fragrant. Its unique taste seems to have been passed down from the original union of its two parents.

x Sorbopyrus auricularis is the result of interspecific crossbreeding between two plants of the Rosaceae family, the pear tree, Pyrus communis, and the common whitebeam, Sorbus aria. Like most hybrids between two species, it is sterile and very rarely produces viable seeds. It appeared before 1619 in Alsace, in Botwiller, and has been reproduced by grafting ever since. It is often observed that when transmitted by grafting, certain characters that were believed to be fixed revert to their original state. The Bollwiller pear is an exceptional example of stability after four centuries of graft transmission. Its genetic heritage is currently being studied.

The Bollwyller pear forms a tall tree, reaching 15 to 20 metres in height at maturity, with a pyramidal and open habit. Its leaves measure 7 to 11 cm in length and 5 to 6 cm in width and are covered with a silver and velvety felt on the underside. The flowers appear in clusters on shorter branches. The petals are white, but the stamens at the centre of the flower are pink. The sepals that hold the petals in place are covered with the same silver-white fuzz as the undersides of the leaves. The fruit is spiralled, about the size of an apricot, and ripens around mid-August. Its yellow colour turns reddish-orange on the sun-exposed side, and its flesh remains firm at maturity. The tree is resistant to scab, generally unaffected by insects or diseases that sometimes affect pear trees. It appears to be very susceptible to fire blight.

As it is large, it is best to plant the Bollwiller Pear as a specimen tree. It is not demanding in terms of soil type, but its growth will be better in rich and moist soils. It thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. The tree is completely hardy and requires little to no pruning. It takes a long time to bear fruit, but the fruit is delicious. If you have the space, desire, and patience, the fruits are definitely worth the wait.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 15 m
Spread at maturity 5 m
Habit conical, pyramidal
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time April to May
Inflorescence Corymb
Flower size 3 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Fruit colour yellow

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

x Sorbopyrus

Species

auricularis (irregularis)

Family

Rosaceae

Other common names

European pear and common whitebeam hybrid

Origin

Western Europe

Product reference20266

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Planting and care

x Sorbopyrus auricularis thrives in sunny locations. Plant it in well-prepared, well-drained, ordinary soil. A little moisture won't harm it as long as the water doesn't stagnate in winter. Preferably plant it in October or November by digging a large planting hole, amend with dehydrated horn or dried blood, create good drainage if necessary (in heavy clay soil), then backfill it with a mixture of garden soil and one-third of compost or well-rotted compost, leaving the collar exposed. Once well-rooted, it can do without watering and requires very little maintenance. It is a resilient tree.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to December

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Ordinary but well-drained

Care

Pruning instructions Prune after flowering if necessary, like other ornamental bushes that bloom in spring. Prune only to remove excess branches and balance the shape to maintain an attractive habit.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time June to July
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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