Silver Creek Nursery Ltd.

Potted Shipova (European Pear and Common Whitebeam hybrid)

Available only for pick-up at nursery.

Species: xSorbopyrus irregularis (Pyrus communis x Sorbus aria), also referred to as xSorbopyrus auricularis although this name is no longer correct

History: Shipova is a unique cross between European pears and Common Whitebeam* (Sorbus aria) which readily hybridizes with many other fruiting plants in the rose family. As a surprise hybrid, the history of Shipova is a little foggy. This cross supposedly appeared, or was perhaps planted, at Bollwiller Castle in France in the 1600s and was called Bollwiller Pear. It was cultivated in gardens in the late 1700s and early 1900s. It may have also originated in Yugoslavia and is popular in Eastern Europe today. Shipova was first brought to the US in 1959 and was imported from Yugoslavia. Today, it appears to remain something of a novelty in North America.

Why We Grow It: Shipova is a truly unique fruit tree and it is a shame that it is not grown more commonly. They are quite cold hardy and relatively disease-resistant. The trees produce clusters of small, round fruit that resemble pears. They are dense and crisp with a sweet flavour reminiscent of tropical fruits. 

*Many places list Shipova as a cross between European pears and Mountain Ash. More precisely, the genus Sorbus is the Mountain Ash genus and the specific tree that is the parent of Shipova is the species Sorbus aria, commonly known as Common Whitebeam

$80.00

Rootstock:
Size:

Out of stock

Fruit Traits:

Recommended Use: Fresh eating

Fruit Size: Small

Storage: Unknown

Harvest: September - Late

Tree Traits:

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 3

Soil Preferance: Sandy loam, loam, clay loam. Prefers average to moist conditions with well-drained soils, avoid planting anywhere that floods for more than two weeks in the spring.

Flowering Time: Late

Pollination Requirements: Partially or fully self-pollinating (there is debate!), this variety may produce fruit without another Shipova (note: all of our Shipova are clonal and will not cross-pollinate), European pear tree, or different Mountain Ash hybrid but will produce more and better fruit if one is present. Shipova may be triploid and may not be able to pollinate other trees.

Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)

General Growth Habit: Hardy, slow to begin bearing fruit. Resistant to scab.

Reminder: Potted plants are available for pick-up only!

Potted plants vary in size and age, but we typically pot berries and smaller seedlings in 1-3 gal pots and larger grafted trees in 5-16 gal pots.

  • 1g pots - 1-3ft tall
  • 2g or 3g pots - 1.5-3ft tall
  • 5g pots - 3-7ft tall
  • 8g pots - 4-7ft tall
  • 16g pots - 6-8ft tall

Purchasing Bareroot

New to bareroot? We've got you covered on what to expect when ordering bareroot plants

Visit the Blog

Full of orchard education, fun recipes, and other fruit related content!

We are here for you!

Over the last 16 years we have helped thousands of orchardists begin their journey. Questions? Just ask!

Our Standards

We are committed to growing the healthiest, finest plants. Read about our growing standards. It all matters.