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Bush Cherries

 

SK Carmine Jewel — Prunus cerasus X Prunus fruiticosa

6 to 12 in. plants $15.00 each

Very limited number of plants available...order before Feb 15.

This bush cherry is one of the cultivars to come out of breeding work done originally by Dr. Les Kerr in the 1940's, and later by the University of Saskachewan, crossing Prunus cerasus (pie cherries) with Prunus fruiticosa (Mongolian cherry.) Carmine Jewel reaches 6 to 8 ft. at maturity, is Zone 2 hardy and tolerant of clay and/or alkaline soil, making it ideally adapted to the prairies.  It ripens from mid July to mid August, and will increase in sugar content if left on the bush. The fruit is larger than a nickel (4.0 g) with a small, round and hard pit that is easily removed. (flesh to pit ratio 5/1) The plants should be trained as a shrub, similar to the way Saskatoons are grown. They will yield their first crop within 3 years of planting. One bush can yield up to 20 lbs. of fruit. Self-fertile.
illustration nanking cherry

Nanking Cherry — Prunus tomentosa

red cardinal icon attractive to wildlife

2 to 3 ft. plants $6.00 each

Beautiful flowers grace this shrub in early spring, later developing into small sour cherries which are fine for pies, jams, and jellies. Seldom exceeds 6 ft. in height. Medium hardiness (to minus 30F.) At least two plants required for pollination. For a nice full hedge, plant 3 to 4 feet apart.
illustration joy bush cherry
 red cardinal icon attractive to wildlife

"Jan" Bush Cherry — Prunus japonica X Prunus jacquemontii 

1 to 2 ft. plants $12.00 each, $50.00 Package of 5 (your choice: may mix Jan and Joel)

Developed by E.M. Meader of the University of New Hampshire, "Jan" produces a firm-fleshed, tart cherry on a 4 foot bush. The fruit ripens in August, thereby avoiding heavy bird pressure. About as hardy as Nanking cherry, (minus 30 F,) although snow cover may afford additional protection. Loaded with fruit in the late summer and with flashy red autumn color, it makes a striking landscape plant. For a hedge, plant 3-4 feet apart. "Jan" must be pollinated by "Joel" or "Joy".
 
 

"Joel" Bush Cherry — Prunus japonica X Prunus jacquemontii

1 to 2 ft. plants $12.00 each, $50.00 Package of 5 (your choice: may mix Jan and Joel)

"Sister" seedling to  Jan. Self-fertile.

red cardinal icon attractive to wildlife

Wild Chokecherry — Prunus virginiana

3 to 5 ft. plants $5.50 each, $45 Package of 10

The wild chokecherry is a small, cold-hardy shrub producing copious crops of small, very tart cherries with large pits, used traditionally for jams and jellies and enjoyed by birds. At least 2 plants required for pollination.
 

red cardinal icon attractive to wildlife

Amur Chokecherry — Prunus maackii

2 to 3 ft. plants $6.00 each, $50 Package of 10 

Not related to the common wild chokecherry and will not cross-pollinate with it, although the fruit is similar. Prunus maackii is one of the hardiest cherries in the world, grows as a small tree (up to 20 feet,) and produces edible cherries used in jams, jellies and juices. It sports a profusion of blossoms in Springtime and an attractive exfoliating bark. At least 2 plants required for pollination.
illustration pin cherry

"Mary Liss" Pin Cherry — Prunus pennsylvanica

red cardinalattractive to wildlife 
 

4 to 5 ft. plants $11.50 each

A selection of pin cherry with thin-skinned fruit that is 7/16 inch or larger. Production triple that of wild types. 

For wild-type (unselected) pin cherries, see our Native Shrubs page. 
red cardinal icon attractive to wildlife

Cherry Prinsepia — Prinsepia sinensis

1 to 2 ft. plants $6.00 each, Package of 10 for $50.00

While not a true cherry, this dense, spiny shrub produces small yellow flowers in early spring, followed by red to purple, cherry-like, edible fruit.  It grows easily into a hedge, and is used for shelterbelt plantings on the Canada prairies.  Native to Manchuria, it is extremely hardy and drought tolerant.  The "cherries" ripen in August, and can be eaten fresh or used in a jam.  It matures with a height and spread of about 6 ft., and will grow on moderately alkaline soils.  Plant 3 to 4 feet apart.
red cardinal icon attractive to wildlife

Dwarf Ground Cherry — Prunus fruticosa

1 to 2 ft. plants $6.00 each

These shrubs stay short, reaching only 3 to 5 feet at maturity. They have beautiful bright green foliage and white flowers in the Spring, yielding a small, dark red, tart cherry in midsummer. Our family's favorite jam is made with this fruit. Wonderful for hedges and extremely hardy and tough. Alaska growers say their bushes survive the most difficult winters. At least 2 plants required for pollination. Plant 3 to 6 ft. apart.