Korean Sun Information : How To Grow A Korean Sun Pear Tree

Korean Sun Pear Tree Branch
korean sun
(Image credit: Kristine Paulus)

Ornamental flowering trees add outstanding color to the landscape. One of the easiest to maintain is Korean Sun pear. Korean Sun pear trees are small, almost dwarf specimens that fit easily into most landscaping schemes. While not native to North America, growing Korean Sun pears is suitable in USDA zones 4 to 9. Their adaptability makes them excellent selections for accents or light shade plants. Read further to find out how to grow Korean Sun pear and what to expect from this delightful little tree.

Korean Sun Information

The Korean Sun pear tree has beautiful foliage with a burst of fall color. This is an ornamental pear, and while it does produce fruit, it is not edible. The small fruits are favorites of many wild animals and the producing bloom brings a refreshing, crisp white display of dense flowers. Korean Sun information reveals that the scientific name, Pyrus fauriei, comes from the French botanist L'Abbe Urbain Jean Faurie, a 19th century missionary and collector. This lovely, smaller tree can grow 15 feet (4.5 m.) at maturity. It is a slow growing tree with glossy oval leaves that appear just before the blooms. Flowers are dense and clustered, glowing white and lightly scented. Korean Sun pear trees produce ½-inch (1.3 cm.) pomes. Fruit are not ornamentally significant but are not considered a litter nuisance. The leaves turn a brilliant red to reddish purple in fall. Due to its low height, the tree may be used under power lines and produces a naturally rounded form. The appealing shape reduces care for Korean Sun pears, as it requires little pruning to keep the dense form.

How to Grow a Korean Sun Pear Trees

This plant requires full sun to flower and fruit properly. Select an area of the garden that drains well, with soil of average fertility. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil and pH conditions but does need consistent moisture, although will not perform well in boggy soil. Trees thrive even in urban conditions and are considered suitable in areas with city pollution. When immature, trees are elegant in large containers. Growing Korean Sun pears in groups lends a sense of lushness to the garden and they may also be used as an informal hedge. Young trees may benefit from some training to encourage sturdy branches and a dense canopy. Korean Sun tree can live for up to 50 years with good care, gracing the landscape for years with ease of care and effortless beauty.

Care for Korean Sun Pears

Provided this tree receives enough light and water, it should thrive in most gardens. Prune the tree in late winter, if needed. Use a good balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote plant health and blooms. Keep weeds away from the root zone and apply mulch in areas that tend to dry out. Korean Sun pear is extremely hardy and can withstand temperatures of -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 C.). Once established, the plant will tolerate brief periods of drought and windy conditions. Korean Sun pear adapts to most conditions and has a low maintenance level, making it an ideal addition to most gardens. With proper care, this little tree will live for years and is attractive to butterflies, bees, and birds.

Bonnie L. Grant
Writer

Bonnie Grant is a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.