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Dwarf pear tree

PeatfreePetePeatfreePete Posts: 17
in Problem solving
I bought a dwarf pear tree to grow in a large pot 3 years ago. Each summer the leaves turn brown/black. No sign of flowers/fruit. Any ideas please ?

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I expect the pot is far too small and will be mostly roots inside.
    Anything potted needs more care than in the ground - soil [not compost] refreshed every year, and extra nutrition and watering.  
    If it hasn't had that, it will struggle, especially if you've had the dry conditions some areas have had in the last couple of years. Shrubs and trees can decline over a long period before they show the signs too. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PeatfreePetePeatfreePete Posts: 17
    Interesting, I bought this from reputable garden centre understanding this dwarf variety could be grown in a large pot. It was expensive and so I followed instructions to the letter. Each year in spring it leaf’s looking very healthy and then mid summer this happens. Surely if conditions are not correct it wouldn’t look so healthy in Spring ? 
    Thanks for your comments by the way. 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I completely agree with @Fairygirl
    During autumn and winter you tree has recovered thanks to lower temperatures and lots of water.
    In spring the new leaves look good, but the conditions for it are unsuitable so bugs and disease will take hold.
    It needs a much bigger pot (ideally it should be in the ground) with a John Innes based compost with added grit.
    It will need regular feeding - seaweed extract would be very good once every couple of weeks, and lots of water when needed.
    The pot should also be on pot feet to ensure good drainage over winter.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • PeatfreePetePeatfreePete Posts: 17
    Understood Pete8. I will try and find a space for it. Would you move it now ? 
  • FayeGFayeG Posts: 34
    edited July 2022
    Hi, 

    I'm following with interest...

    I bought a supercolumn pear tree (invincible) which is apparently max 7' and was said to be suitable for a pot! My hubby laughed at my twig that will produce pears one day. I also bought a dwarf apple M27 Limelight which is doing great.  I planted in garden and glad I did.  It's a bit out of control and I need to know what I should do with it to keep it columnar... but it is large and pretty dense I've discovered even after thinning out and cutting back... so this seems typical of pear trees, hence your problem.  

    To avoid it dying I'd be tempted to either plant in garden or buy a much bigger pot.  I believe a pot at least 2.5 times the size of the root is necessary. I might also be wrong but I'd also spray with a pesticide. 

    But as I too am failing somewhat with a pear I'm sure you will get better advice.

    Mine is large and messy (so much larger than the apple which is bearing fruit well).  It does give me a few pears and has done for at least 2 years. 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Yes I would - it's very unhappy where it is, so things can only get better!
    Keep it well watered, and Good luck

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • PeatfreePetePeatfreePete Posts: 17
    Done !  Re planted in the garden. It was indeed root bound and fairly dry despite regular watering. 
    FairyGirl & Pete8 you guys know your stuff thank you. 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Oh good - all the best to you and your tree :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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