Ninebark vs Porthos Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Ninebark vs Porthos Cherry

Prunus cerasus Porthos

Physocarpus opulifolius

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

CUSTOM GROW

Porthos Cherry
Ninebark

Porthos Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry that features white spring flowers followed by large, dark red fruit in mid-to-late summer. Among sour cherries, Porthos is exceptionally sweet with well-balanced acidity. These cherries are ideal for fresh eating, freezing, baking, winemaking, and preserves.

Porthos Cherry was developed by the University of Saskatchewan Fruit Program as part of the Musketeer series and released in 2022. They recommended growing dwarf sour cherries as a shrub rather than a small tree. The shrub form tends to bear fruit earlier and is less susceptible to winterkill.

Sour cherries are self-fertile; however, planting with additional varieties for cross-pollination can increase yields.

Ninebark is a small, multi-stemmed shrub, that is used to add texture or colour to any yard.

It features flaky, cinnamon-brown bark, attractive white flowers, and long, maple-like leaves.

Porthos Cherry Quick Facts

Ninebark Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Growth form: semi upright, compact
Spreading: suckering - low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: white
Flowers: small white clusters
Bloom time: mid to late spring
Fruit: deep red
Berries: small pink to purple berry like follicles
Flavor: sweet with balanced acidity
Harvest: mid to late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB
Other Names: porthos sour cherry