With white flowers over bronze-colored leaves, followed by a furious autumn color and spherical, edible fruits. These are the aesthetic attributes that the copper pear pear spoils us with. The following answers to frequently asked questions specify the advantages of the currant tree from the point of view of cultivation.
care tips
With the copperservice pear a magnificent ornamental tree moves into her garden, which is satisfied with the following mini-care program:
- Water regularly in the year of planting, later only during summer drought
- A start fertilization with compost and horn shavings covers the nutrient requirement in March/April
- Thin out thoroughly every year immediately after flowering
- Shape cut if necessary at the end of May/beginning of June by a maximum of two thirds
While the currant tree gets a mulch on the root disc as winter protection in the year of planting, you can save yourself this effort on the adult tree or shrub. However, ground frosts in spring can damage the tender buds. Therefore, wrap the shrub or tree crown in a breathable fleece when night frost is announced.
Which location is suitable?
If you meet the high light requirements when choosing the location, the currant tree will thank you for this circumspection with a lavish bloom and rich fruit hanging in autumn. We have compiled all relevant criteria for you here:
- Full sun to light shade
- Normal garden soil, fresh, moist and well-drained
- Likes a slightly acidic to alkaline pH of 4.5 to 8.5
Since the tree or shrub will develop a shallow root system, locations with compacted soil should be avoided. A sandy-loamy to loamy-clayey soil without risk of waterlogging is an advantage.
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The right planting distance
The umbrella-shaped silhouette of a shrub or tree forces us to plant it as a solitary plant. In a row or as a group, the elegant habit with the slightly curved twigs would only come into its own to a limited extent. Therefore, choose an appropriate planting distance of at least 4 m to the right and left, so that the currant tree can impressively present itself even at an advanced age.
What soil does the plant need?
The copper pear will happily spread its shallow root system in any good garden soil. A fresh, moist and well-drained consistency, in combination with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH value of 4.5 to 8.5 is desirable. The closer the soil quality is to humus-loose forest soil, the more vigorous the growth.
Cut the copper pear correctly
The currant tree naturally develops a harmonious, umbrella-shaped stature. Since the tree or shrub also grows slowly, a topiary is not an option every year. On the other hand, you should thin out the ornamental wood regularly. How to do it right:
- Thoroughly thin out the shrub or tree crown immediately after flowering
- Cut off any deadwood at the base, as well as stunted, crossing, or inward branches
- If necessary, shorten shoots that are too long by one to two thirds
- Make each cut 2-3 mm above an outward-facing eye (bulge under the bark).
Furthermore, keep the wild rootstock on a grafted tree all year round Eye. If cheeky wild shoots sprout here, tear them off with a courageous jerk so that the grafted part is not overgrown.
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Pouring copper pear
A young tree or shrub always has a high water requirement as long as it is rooted in the ground. Therefore, water a newly planted currant tree regularly and thoroughly as soon as the soil has dried. Adult service pear trees are content with the natural rainfall. During prolonged droughts during the summer, water heavily once or twice a week instead of just a little watering each day. Leave that garden hose Run for 20-30 minutes so that all roots are supplied with water.
Fertilize copper pear properly
The nutrient requirement of a pear pear is at a low level. A start fertilization in March/April with compost and horn shavings is completely sufficient for the season. Work in the organic material only superficially with the rake without damaging the shallow root system. Then water extensively.
Diseases
You will rarely have to complain about plant diseases on a copper pear. Although the name suggests otherwise, there is no closer botanical relationship with a real pear. Thus, you may have concerns about the dreaded disease pear grating forget it. However, as a pome fruit tree, the currant tree is not immune to the dangerous bacterial disease fire blight. If the leaves turn brown-black and wilt, while black shoot tips bend towards the ground, there is an immediate need for action. Prune the tree or shrub radically back to the healthy wood and dispose of the clippings in the household waste.
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hibernate
The copper pear is completely hardy. No special precautions are required to ensure that the tree or shrub gets through the cold season unscathed. Only in the year of planting do we recommend a light winter protection in the form of a layer of leaves on the root disc. In the spring, the buds may freeze as a result of delayed ground frosts. If the meteorologists announce negative temperatures at night, put a breathable hood over the shrub or tree crown.
Propagating copper pear
Unfortunately, no method of propagation proves to be straightforward. Even when using common techniques, the copper rock pear is quite stubborn. If you still want to try the experiment, choose from these approaches:
- cut cuttings in early summer
- Improvement by means of oculation, copulation or grafting of scions onto a wild stock
- sowing the cold germ behind glass after stratification
How do I plant correctly?
In the first 5 years you can transplant a currant tree without hesitation. Ideally, move the tree or shrub to its new location in the fall. A plentiful supply of water over the following days and weeks will ensure that the pear pear will re-root.
Is copper pear poisonous?
The copper pear is not poisonous. On the contrary, the spherical fruits can be eaten fresh in late summer. You can also conjure up refreshing jams, juices or liqueurs from the berries. The minimal content of glycosides in the leaves and seeds is harmless. Kilos of berries would have to be eaten before nausea or other symptoms would arise.
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Beautiful varieties
- Rainbow Pillar: Columnar currant tree with white spring blooms; ideal for the small garden; Growth height 3-5 m
- Ballerina: The noble variety impresses with abundant flowers, magnificent autumn colors and edible fruits; 3-5m
- Rubescens: Beautiful currant tree with red-brown shoots and delicate pink flowers from April to May; 3-5m
