Pear, Moonglow

Plant name: Pear ‘Moonglow’

Scientific name: Pyrus communis ‘Moonglow’

Plant description:
Pear ‘Moonglow’ is a European pear cultivar valued for its smooth-textured fruit, reliable production, and improved resistance to fire blight. This deciduous fruit tree develops a rounded canopy with strong branching and consistent annual yields when properly pollinated. It is widely planted in home orchards for fresh eating and seasonal harvest.

Flower description:
Clusters of white blossoms appear in early to mid-spring before full leaf emergence. The flowers attract pollinators and are essential for fruit set. ‘Moonglow’ requires cross-pollination with another European pear variety that blooms at the same time for optimal production.

Leaf description:
Leaves are glossy, medium to dark green, oval-shaped, and finely toothed along the margins. Foliage forms a dense canopy during the growing season and turns yellow in fall before dropping.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Deciduous fruit tree.

USDA grow zones:
Zones 5–8.

Mature height and width:
12–20 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide, depending on rootstock and pruning.

Landscape uses:
Ideal for backyard orchards, edible landscapes, and small-scale fruit production. Can be trained as a central leader, espaliered against a structure, or maintained at a manageable size through annual pruning. Produces medium to large green fruit with a smooth texture suitable for fresh eating and light cooking.

Native range:
The species Pyrus communis is native to Europe and western Asia. ‘Moonglow’ is a cultivated American selection.

Sun exposure:
Full sun is required for strong growth and fruit production. Provide at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best yields.

Water requirements:
Prefers well-drained soil with consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Water deeply during dry periods. Avoid standing water, which can lead to root problems.

Pests and problems:
‘Moonglow’ has improved resistance to fire blight compared to many pear varieties, though monitoring is still important. Other potential issues include pear psylla, codling moth, and fungal leaf diseases. Proper pruning improves airflow and reduces disease pressure.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Performs well in warm summer conditions when adequately watered. Excessive heat during fruit development may affect texture if irrigation is inconsistent.

Cold tolerance:
Hardy in its recommended zones and requires winter chill hours to produce fruit. Trees tolerate typical winter cold within Zones 5–8 but may suffer damage in extreme subzero conditions. Late spring frosts can affect blossoms and reduce fruit set.

Growing tips:
Plant with a compatible pollinator variety nearby to ensure reliable fruiting. Prune annually during dormancy to maintain structure, improve airflow, and support fruit quality. Thin developing fruit in early summer to improve size and reduce limb stress. Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring based on soil testing results. Harvest fruit when mature but still firm, allowing it to ripen off the tree for best flavor and texture.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.