If you're looking to add some beautiful trees to your garden, ornamental pears are a great choice. Two popular varieties are the Capital and Cleveland Select ornamental pears. While they have some similarities, there are also some key differences between them.
The Capital pear (Pyrus calleryana 'Capital') is a fast-growing, columnar tree that can reach up to 11 meters in height and 3 meters in width. It has a narrow, upright habit, which makes it ideal for small gardens or spaces where you want to add height without taking up too much space. The Capital pear has glossy green leaves that turn a beautiful red-purple color in autumn, adding a splash of color to your garden.
On the other hand, the Cleveland Select pear (Pyrus calleryana 'Cleveland Select') is a broader tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height and 5 meters in width. It has an attractive, oval-shaped habit and dense foliage that provides good shade. The leaves of the Cleveland Select pear turn a beautiful red-purple color in autumn, similar to the Capital pear.
Both varieties are hardy and relatively low-maintenance, making them a great choice for Australian gardens. They are also tolerant of a range of soil types and can handle both drought and frost.
The main advantage of the Capital pear is its narrow habit, which makes it ideal for smaller gardens or spaces where you want to add height without taking up too much room. On the other hand, the Cleveland Select pear is a better choice for larger gardens or where you want to create a more substantial focal point.
In terms of planting, both varieties prefer a full sun position and well-drained soil. When planting, ensure that you allow enough space for the trees to grow to their full size and avoid planting them too close to buildings or other structures.
Overall, both the Capital and Cleveland Select ornamental pears are excellent choices for Australian gardens. Whether you want to add some height to a small garden or create a substantial focal point in a larger space, both of these trees offer attractive foliage, beautiful autumn color, and relatively low-maintenance requirements.