Sorbus Pear Hybrid

Shipova is a rare pear–mountain ash hybrid recognized by the RHS as × Sorbopyrus auricularis ‘Shipova’, in the rose family. It bears white flowers and round, yellow fruit; Washington State University Extension describes the fruit as sweet and notes that flowering is self-fertile, though nearby pears with matching bloom times can improve the crop. Raintree Nursery lists the selection as a late bloomer with August ripening, full-sun exposure, and USDA Zone 3 hardiness. [RHS’s Shipova profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/150328/%C3%97-sorbopyrus-auricularis-shipova-f/details), [WSU Extension’s Shipova guide](https://pubs.extension.wsu.edu/product/minor-and-uncommon-fruits-for-maritime-climate-gardens/), and [Raintree’s Shipova listing](https://raintreenursery.com/products/shipova-semi-dwarf) describe its identity and fruiting. ## Tree and fruit The WSU guide gives a mature height of about 15 to 20 feet and an open, pyramidal habit. Raintree describes silvery-gray leaves and sweet yellow fruit, while the RHS confirms the botanical identity and family. Plant in full sun and allow room for a medium-sized fruit tree; a compatible European pear flowering at the same time can help increase fruit set. ## Maintenance Keep the root zone watered while establishing and prune selectively to maintain a workable harvest height. Fruit ripens in August in Raintree’s growing guidance; timing will shift with climate.