Pear - 'Summercrisp' Pear Tree
Very good for colder areas, 'Summercrisp' is an early maturing pear introduced by the University of Minnesota for use in colder climates, where most other pear varieties survive poorly and often do not produce fruit. 'Summercrisp' Pear bears stunning clusters of white flowers with purple anthers along the branches in mid-spring, followed by showy chartreuse fruit marked with a red blush. An abundant crop can be expected in late summer with unique fruit that is best consumed without having been ripened fully. 'Summercrisp' pears naturally taste best while the flesh is firm and crisp. The low canopy of this tree typically clears the ground around 4 feet high and is suitable for planting near power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.
This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. In ideal conditions, 'Summercrisp' Pear could grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet, but is said to be 15-20 feet tall and wide in most cases. It boasts an excellent cold hardiness of zone 4 to 8. As with all fruit trees, this tree should only be grown in full sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves in alkaline soils so be sure to supplement appropriately with chelated iron. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner-city environments. Like any fruit bearing trees, these can be messy if fruit is allowed to drop on driveways or lawns and streets. Disease problems to watch for in pear trees include anthracnose, canker, scab, and powdery mildew. Insect visitors include pear psylla, coddling moth, and borers.