Companion Plants for Asian Pears

Nitrogen-Fixing Companions

• Pear trees thrive in nitrogen-rich soil and can grow to 20 feet tall, so nutrient-enriching companions are ideal. Nitrogen-fixers such as clover, peas and beans are good companions, and in turn, they benefit from the shade produced by pear trees. Ground-cover crops like white clover thrive in the shady conditions under the tree. White clover improves soil conditions by preventing erosion, retaining moisture and adding nitrogen for the pear tree's benefit.

Protective Companions

• Asian pears, like many fruit trees, are susceptible to disease and insect damage that could be detrimental to quality fruit production. Certain protective crops may improve the tree's resistance to these threats. Garlic is renowned for its pest-repelling properties as it fights off borers, aphids and other pests, while protecting from peach leaf curl disease. Borage, when planted near pear trees, can improve their disease and insect resistance and introduce important minerals into the soil. Nasturtium repels the coddling moth, one of the most threatening pear tree pests in parts of the United States. Plant foxglove around pear trees to improve their disease resistance.

Pollination

• Asian pear cultivars usually require a different pear tree cultivar nearby for the purpose of cross-pollination, so it's important to plant companion cultivars that flower around the same time. Some cultivars don't pollinate each other, so you must do some research before setting up a pollination system. European pears do not function as good companions because they flower later in the season. Plant early-blooming varieties such as Tsu Li, Seuri and Ya Li together. Late-blooming types, which consist of hybrids and Japanese varieties, should also be planted as companions. Space trees 10 to 15 feet apart. Every four to eight rows of Asian pears should have at least one pollenizer row.

Other Companions

• Pears seem to thrive when planted near currants. Other good companion crops include marigold, pansy, onion, sweet woodruff and alyssum. You can intercrop Asian pear trees with shorter trees and shrubs, such as peach trees or tea trees, to create a balance of light and shade. But not every plant is a companion to pear trees. Avoid planting potatoes and grass around pears, as their root excretions can slow or stop the growth of pear tree roots.