Dwarf Hardy Cherry Trees

The Romance series of dwarf hardy cherry trees was released by the University of Saskatchewan in 2004, after 50 years of traditional breeding. They crossed the small stature and cold hardiness of Mongolian sour cherries with the fruit quality of European sour cherries.

The Romance series of dwarf hardy sour cherries combine the sweet-tart flavour of sour cherries with improved sugar content, making them versatile for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. These sour cherries actually have a higher sugar content than regular cherries, like Bing, but it's the acidity (citric acid) that makes them sour. Sour cherries hold their classic cherry flavour despite high-heat cooking, making them the ideal choice for baked goods or jams and the go-to for cherry pie.

Prized for their exceptional cold tolerance (-40ºC, -40ºF), they are easy to grow, requiring minimal care. It is recommended to grow these small trees as shrubs, allowing suckering, for a fuller shrub and higher fruit yield. These plants are on their own rootstock, so suckers will be the same cultivar and produce the same fruit. Much smaller than other sour cherries, these dwarf varieties average only 6.5-8 feet tall.

Though you only need one variety for fruit production, the Romance series includes these four cultivars: 

Cupid: Fruit is dark red to almost black. Best for fresh eating and processing. Excellent for canning whole. Blooms 5 days later than others - decreased risk of frost injury to blossoms. Ripens later too. Largest fruit: 6.5g. Moderate productivity (70lbs/plant).

Valentine: The only variety with bright red fruit - makes it the best for dehydrating (dried fruit will be brighter). Vigorous, medium suckering and grows 1-2 feet taller than other varieties. Tart flavour, great for processing (tarts and pies). Fruit size: 4.5g. Large shrubs are very productive.

Romeo: Dark red fruit. Best for fresh eating and processing (juice). Sweet but also acidic. As noted, a good juicer. Bears fruit at an earlier age than others. 6.5' tall. Fruit size: 4.0g. High yield (110lbs/plant).

Juliet: Dark red fruit. Best for fresh eating and processing. One of the sweetest and best tasting - very good for fresh eating. 6.5' tall. Fruit size: 5.0g. 3 days earlier than others - increased risk of frost injury. High yield (90lbs/plant).

Please note: The plants available for sale are one-year-old and come in 2.5" pots.  

Common names: Cherry, Dwarf Hardy Cherry

Edible: Fruit
Harvest timing: Late summer

Scientific name: Prunus fruticosa x cerasus
Light requirements: Full sun to part sun
Full-grown size: 6.5' - 8.2' tall
Hardiness: Zone 3
Pollination: Self-pollinating
Wildlife: Attracts pollinators and birds
Origin: University of Saskatchewan in 2004.
Noteworthy: Very cold hardy.

WE DO NOT SHIP LIVE PLANTS. THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP AT OUR NURSERY IN ERRINGTON, BC.