Pear

As a low-growing, evergreen shrub with a dense, compact, rounded habit Oriental Pearl - a dwarf form of Raphiolepis - produces an abundance of showy white flowers with prominent pink stamens from early autumn to late spring. The attractive glossy foliage is dark green in colour and contrasts well with the massed display of flowers. Excellent choice for pots, low hedging, massed planting in shrubberies or around pools.

Soil: Prefers enriched, well-drained soils and appreciates an application of chunky mulch.
Conditions: Full sun to light shade. Frost, drought, heat and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 1m x width 1m

Corymbia Precious Pearl Grafted is a spectacular small to medium-sized native flowering gum tree. This trim tree bears showy pink to white flower clusters during the warmer months. The gum blossoms are bird and insect-attracting and do well when trimmed back after they finish. Precious Pearl is extremely versatile and can be used as a hedging or bordering plant, as well as a feature tree or small shade tree.

Soil: Well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Drought, frost and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 4-6m x width 2-4m

Williams Bon Chretien is a deciduous pear tree with fragrant white flowers in spring, followed by very juicy, medium-large fruit. Pale green at picking and ripening to a clear yellow, the sweet fruit is ideal for use in desserts, preserving or eating fresh. The variety requires a cross-pollinator to bear fruit: suitable varieties include Beurre Bosc, Winter Cole or Nijisseiki

Soil: Well-drained, well-composted soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Frost tolerant.
Size: Height 4-10m x width 2-4m

Pyrus calleryana Capital is a fast-growing ornamental pear with a mass display of beautiful pink-tinged white flowers in spring. This attractive deciduous tree produces dark green foliage that change to a brilliant red-purple before falling in late autumn, providing stunning colour variation and contrast. The narrow growth habit makes it ideal for use in space-restricted areas and along narrow median strips and driveways.

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun. Tolerant of drought and light frosts.
Size: Height 10m x width 3m

Camellia Little Pearl is a charming evergreen shrub prized for its beautifully flounced blooms, which transition from deep pink on the outer petals to a crisp, ice-white centre. Flowering generously from late autumn through early winter, it brings colour and softness to the garden during the cooler months. This sasanqua variety features smaller leaves and dense, tidy foliage, making it ideal for shaping and structured planting. Compared to japonica camellias, it is more tolerant of sun, better suited to warmer, humid climates, and flowers earlier in the season. Perfect for informal hedging, screening, espalier, and large feature pots. Its neat growth habit and extended flowering period make it a versatile and rewarding addition to gardens both large and small.

Soil: Rich. moist, well-drained soil.

Conditions: Part sun/ part shade. Moderately frost tolerance.

Size: Height 3m x width 3m

Rainforest Pearl is a cultivar in the Citrus Gems range, grafted to make the plants hardier and tolerant of frost and dry conditions. An evergreen tree with deep green, rounded foliage and thorny stems, Rainforest Pearl displays pale white-pink flowers in summer, followed by aromatic, finger-shaped fruits tinged green-red. Rainforest Pearl will begin to ripen but not fully on the tree. Once picked, leave the fruit for five to ten days to completely ripen. Inside the fruits are filled with small pearls of tangy juice, which have a wonderful texture and flavour and are perfect for seafood, Asian cooking and cocktails. As the tree has a slight weeping habit, it can be pruned to shape. Trees will begin to produce fruit from the second autumn of planting.

Soil: Plant in composted, well-draining soil. Mulch in spring and keep the soil moist in summer.
Conditions: It will do best in a warm, sheltered spot and can do well in dappled shade though will thrive in full sun. Tolerant of frost and dry conditions.
Size: Height 2-3m x width 1.5-2m

A true statement of elegance, Camellia  Nuccio's Pearl is impressive in full flower. Spectacular, fully-double blooms with pure white petals edged with an orchid pink blush make a dazzling contrast against the glossy, dark green foliage. Nuccio's Pearl looks superb in a feature pot and also makes a wonderful hedge or espalier. Prune after flowering to desired height and shape as this will encourage a bushy growth habit and the future development of flowers

Soil: Prefers to be grown in humus-rich, well-draining soil.
Conditions: Morning sun to part shade. Drought, frost and coastal tolerant.
Size: Height 3-4m x width 2-3m

Pyrus communis Josephine De Malines Pear is an excellent heirloom pear for the home garden. This variety produces heavy crops of small and mouth-watering greenish-yellow fruits with a sweet lightly perfumed, buttery white flesh in late March to early April. Josephine De Malines is delicious eaten fresh off the tree, and ideal for preserving, and cooking. Suggested pollinators are Packham’s Triumph and Baby Face. Fertilise when planting and again after new growth appears, and prune  when planting to encourage new growth.

Soil: Well-drained and well-worked soil.

Conditions: Full sun. Frost tolerant.

Size: Height 3m x width 4m