This lady grows Asian pears north of Chicago. She is a member of this group but hasn’t posted in a long time. I just wanted to alert everyone to what an excellent job she has done establishing Asian pears in her very cold area.
An article about her -
A video-
And here’s her website:
Some people come to America and make the most of the opportunity.
Some come to cause trouble and get a hand out. This girl appears to be the former.
I love the video, thanks for sharing. I thought USDA 5a/5b would be easy for asian pears?.. That makes me skeptical about my own futur success… !!
Her farm is in zone 4b - I live in 5b/6a in Chicago (depends on who I go to look it up), and we have had zero problems. The asian pear tree has been by far the most product of my friend’s trees.
And Oriana knows her stuff. I think she is one of the most interesting people. She taught a grafting class for pears a couple of years ago that I went to. So interesting. Someone should work with her - so much to learn.
@jessica4b
We call Chicago the windy city which you may be familiar with. It lives up to its many reputations and a very cold windy winter is one thing its known for. The praries in Canada are known for legendary difficult conditions at times with harsh cold so fortunately your not in zone 2 or 3 Canada. Your in a warmer , less windy more peaceful climate. The last i knew you were in more like zone 4. Zone 5 conditions are really about as cold as most asian pears can handle. There are a few i believe that are better at adapting to those conditions you have and could make it. Asian Pear Trees – Tagged "Cold Hardiness Zone 4"– Online Orchards
Hi @jessica4b, one I recall specifically that went thru -33 F w/o a flinch is ‘Drippin’ Honey’.
I was pretty close to the eye of the polar vortex a couple winters ago. Normally in my zone 5b the worst of the worst winters I see -18 F.
Dax
Thank you @JS69135, @clarkinks and @Barkslip, so helpful! So far, my Shinseiki is still alive and seems to be doing well (not as vigorous as further south, but not much dieback and some fruits). I took a chance and added Hosui and Hayatama last spring. I also grafted Taylor apple-pear and planted some seedlings. We’ll see…Fingers crossed!
Best of luck! Keep us posted how everything goes in a year. I’m planning out my orchard at my house now, and it should be interesting.
The varieties she sells and recommends are 20th century, Chojuro, Korean Giant and Shin Li. Her website shows a picture of Hosui as well.
On that list, I would replace 20th Century with Shinseiki. Shinseiki is a bit bigger and definitely tastier. 20th C is small and mildly sweet.