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With recent windy conditions here in the Midwest, once again Bradford pears have been disfigured or even completely destroyed. Many gardeners write off flowering pears because of the original introduction many years ago, 'Bradford', which is a terrible variety to plant. The weak branching structure all but insures that after a few years, severe damage will occur from high winds. However, not all flowering pears are genetically flawed. The original BRADFORD flowering pear is inferior, for sure. However, there are newer varieties that have superior branching structure and can hold their own in strong winds. They still have a great shape, wonderful flower display in the spring, and beautiful fall color. These varieties include 'Cleveland Select', 'Aristocrat', 'Redspire', 'Trinity', and even one called 'New Bradford'. No reputable nursery should ever be marketing the original 'Bradford' flowering pear, but the big box stores still do (although they are slowly getting better), so the vast majority of people think Bradford is the only variety available, and associate the variety Bradford with the entire flowering pear population. The problem is that the name 'Bradford' is being used by people in the same way people say "I need a Kleenex." or "I put a Band-Aid on my cut." The words Kleenex and Band-Aid are brand names commonly used for any facial tissue and any adhesive bandages, respectively, and are much easier to say in everyday speech. It's the same with Bradford pear. Many people would be surprised to learn that there are actually other great varieties of flowering pear they could plant and enjoy. That said, I do think flowering pears are overused and often misused. A lot of people think flowering pears are never going to outgrow the original compact lollipop form, but they certainly do! Given enough room and used wisely, they are a great addition to a landscape, but they shouldn't be used everywhere and by everybody when so many other great ornamental trees are available.
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