Dwarf Pear Pyrus communis 'Moonglow'

The 'Moonglow' pear tree is a cultivar of P. Communis, a pear tree native to Europe. 'Moonglow' is typically grown as a dwarf variety and is noted for its resistance to fire blight and its ability to bear fruits for many years. It has a vigorous growth habit and needs at least two cultivars to ensure adequate pollination. 'Moonglow' produces an abundant crop early in the season. These fruit tend to be large and thin-skinned that ripen to yellow with red flushes.

'Moonglow' prefers a deep, fertile, moist but well-drained, fairly neutral soil in a sheltered, sunny position. It does not do well in acidic soils or sites with shade for more than half the day.

The size of a pear tree is determined by the rootstock that it is grafted onto. A version of 'Moonglow' grafted onto a standard rootstock is available and produces a 20 foot tall tree. However, it is more typically grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks to produce 8 to 12 foot tall trees, making it an ideal choice for a small landscape. Dwarf trees do bear standard-size fruit, but fit into a smaller space and are more convenient to care for.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

As with most pear tree varieties, susceptible to anthracnose, canker, scab and powdery mildew, pear psylla, coddling moth and borers. An early spring frost can damage flower buds. 'Moonglow' is resistant to fireblight.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants," a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Pyrus communis.