The copper rock pear, also known as the Canadian rock pear, is often offered in garden centers. Anyone who flirts with it will soon ask themselves: Is it the same plant as the serviceberry or are there crucial differences?
What are the differences between rock pear and copper rock pear?
The copper rock pear (Amelanchier lamarckii) differs from the common rock pear (Amelanchier ovalis) in its greater height, multi-stemmed growth, striking copper-colored leaves, larger flowers and higher fruit yield. It is also easier to cut and is ideal as a solitary tree.
Where does the copper rock pear come from?
While the common rock pear (Amelanchier ovalis) comes from Europe, the copper rock pear (Amelanchier lamarckii) finds its home inCanada. Although it is native to North America, it can thrive here because the climate is similar.
What difference is there in the growth of both rock pears?
The Copper Rock Pear growslarger than the Common Rock Pear. The copper rock pear can grow up to 6 meters high. However, since it grows quite slowly with an average of 25 cm growth per year, it takes many years until it reaches its final height. The common rock pear, also known as the European rock pear, reaches a significantly smaller size. It usually only grows 3 meters high.
Another obvious difference in growth is that the copper rock pear usually grows with multiple stems.
How do the foliage of both rock pears differ?
The copper rock pear showscopper-colored foliage both when it shoots and in autumn. During the summer time it is green in color and relatively inconspicuous. The leaves of the common serviceberry are less spectacular. Slightly reddish in spring, green in summer and yellowish to orange-red in autumn, they are less noticeable.
Does the copper rock pear produce other fruits?
The fruits of the copper rock pearresemble those of the common rock pear. They reach a diameter of about 1 cm and are edible. The well-known variety 'Ballerina' is a type of copper rock pear and is primarily known for its tasty fruits and their variety.
The fruits of the other rock pears are also edible, although their fruit yield is often lower than that of the copper rock pear.
What other features make the copper rock pear stand out?
Theflowersof the copper rock pear are usually larger and brighter than those of other rock pears. The copper rock pear also impresses with its goodcutting tolerance It can therefore also be grown into an umbrella-shaped growth. With its size and visually appealing appearance, the copper rock pear is ideal as a solitaire.
Are there other species of rock pear that are interesting?
Among the rock pears there aremany other candidates that are interesting for gardeners, depending on your preferences. For example, there is the alder-leaved serviceberry, which produces numerous runners and particularly tasty fruits. The spiked rock pear is characterized by its small growth (maximum 2 meters). There is also the hanging rock pear with an overhanging growth and the tree rock pear with a growth height of over 6 meters. However, the copper rock pear is still considered the most popular.
Tip
Decide depending on usage
If you just want to plant a small hedge, the common rock pear is usually sufficient. However, if you want an exciting solitary tree with a rich fruit display, the copper rock pear with its wonderful autumn color is probably the better choice.
