In full spring flower, the feathery fringetree shows why it can be a pleasingly pretty native replacement for the Bradford pear.
Photo by L.A. Jackson
Beginning in October 2024, Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’) will no longer be available at commercial nurseries in South Carolina. Why? Well, in spite of them being landscape darlings since the ’60s, they have turned out to be quite the pest.
For starters, as the trees matured, their limbs became frailer, resulting in broken and missing branches uglifying Bradford pears everywhere, while dinging plenty of cars and homes in the process. But even worse, this import from China has proven to be very capable at seeding about—to the point that it has been designated a plant pest in our state.
However, while giving Bradford pears the ol’ stink-eye treatment, I cast an approving gaze on native alternatives that can provide similar blooming bling in the springtime, and three of my favorites are:
Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus). A small tree that restrains itself to about 12 to 20 feet high and wide, this native beauty billows with clouds of fragrant white flowers that look like confetti shreds, creating an airy effect that’s easy on the eyes. It blooms later in the spring than Bradford pear, but this just means there is less of a chance the blossoms will be bit by a rogue hard freeze.
Chinese fringetree (Chionanthus retusus). Also commercially available, but, to me, the American version has more visual bang with its blooms.
Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. alba). Native redbuds tend to vary from pink to a pinkish-purple, but if you are looking to reproduce the wispy white of Bradford flowers, there are also white redbuds. More than a name contradiction, these pale blooming pretties exhibit the same toughness mixed with charm as regular redbuds. They can also get redbud-big, stretching to about 20 feet tall and wide.
Although typically not a common sight at nurseries, white redbuds are easy finds online, and asking your local garden shop to help with your search is another good option. Popular cultivars to check for include Royal White, Texas White and Alba.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier sp.). Drought tolerant, deer-resistant, explodes with white, starry blooms in the spring, killer fall color—what’s not to like about serviceberry? This tough-yet-pretty native small tree also produces edible berries that taste like mild blueberries, but you have to be quick because birds include them on their garden grocery list as well.
Some of the easiest serviceberry selections to find for sale are from the Amelanchier x grandiflora clan that includes the popular Autumn Brilliance as well as Ballerina, Princess Diana and Cole Select.
March in the Garden
• Although the temptation will be great, delay mulching warm-season annuals after planting this month. Wait until at least May so the strengthening spring sun can heat the exposed soil to a balmy enough temperature that will stimulate rapid root growth.
• With activity from your feathered friends in the garden picking up now, welcome birds to the new spring by thoroughly cleaning out the bird bath and start adding fresh water to it at least once a week. Also, check bird feeders for any wet, moldy or gunky seed and clean it out.
Tip of the Month
The Bradford pear has become such an ornery ornamental in South Carolina that a bounty has been put on it. The posse that started the roundup is Clemson University, and the sheriff is Dr. David Coyle, professor of Forest Health and Invasive Species, who created a program that trades downed Bradfords for free native replacement trees. Having unsettling visions of trying to drag in a big ol’ dead Bradford? Don’t worry, partner, it won’t be necessary—photos will be just fine. This month, bounty events are scheduled in Conway (March 5) and Clemson (March 19). For more information, ride the e-range to: clemson.edu/bounty.
L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener magazine. Contact him at lajackson1@gmail.com.