Some varieties of the pear tend to form an umbrella-like crown with several small trunks next to each other as they get older. However, with a well thought-out selection of varieties or certain pruning measures, columnar shapes similar to an obelisk can also be realized.

The pear should be trained to become an obelisk as early as possible

Cultivate a Rock Pear Obelisk without much maintenance

The easiest way to grow a pear in the shape of an obelisk is to plant the appropriately named cultivar. Due to its genetic characteristics, the columnar pear (Amelanchier alnifolia Obelisk) naturally tends towards a columnar and rather compact growth. This stiff, upright shrub grows to a height of around 3 to 5 m and, in contrast to other service pear trees, retains its slender shape even without major topiary. If it should be necessary to put on the scissors with the columnar pear, then the discreet topiary should be done in spring if possible. Proceed very discreetly, as cutting mistakes only grow out again very slowly.

Educate other varieties of pear to obelisk

While the columnar shape of the pear tree hardly requires any human intervention, other varieties of the pear tree have to be shaped in the course of care. However, this only works if the planning for certain topiary starts at a very early age. Adult specimens of the copper pear and other pear varieties do not tolerate radical pruning very well. So if the topiary is not about the popular pruning, but about a continuous obelisk shape, the plant must be pruned and shaped every year after planting.

Shape multi-stemmed service pear trees

One problem with growing a service pear in the shape of an obelisk is the fact that service pear trees often develop several stems next to each other. But you don't have to grab the saw right away. Simply tie the individual stems together compactly to achieve a slimmer columnar shape. Ideally, you should use special tapes made of natural materials such as raffia or sisal. These offer the following advantages:

  • they are biodegradable
  • they do not scour the bark of the pear
  • they blend harmoniously into the natural garden look
  • they can be readjusted if necessary

tips

There are also obelisk-shaped trellises for garden design. However, you should not put this over a pear pear, as this does not promise an aesthetic result. These obelisks made of coated metal rods are more suitable for climbing roses and other climbing plants.

Category:

Trees