Native Pear Plant Care

Native Pear (Atkinsonia ligustrina) belongs to the Loranthaceae family within the Atkinsonia genus. Native Pear is native to Eastern Australia.

Native Pear displays a vining, sprawling shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Native Pear produces small, tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Native Pear every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Native Pear thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Native Pear in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Atkinsonia ligustrina tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Native Pear prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Native Pear to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Native Pear every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Native Pear is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Native Pear can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Native Pear while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Native Pear is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Native Pear can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Native Pear is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Native Pear grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Native Pear is native to Eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Native Pear as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.