Red Elderberry vs Romeo Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Red Elderberry vs Romeo Cherry

Sambucus racemosa

Prunus x kerrasis Romeo

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Red Elderberry
Romeo Cherry

Red Elderberry is an attractive, medium-sized deciduous shrub.

It produces clusters of white flowers in the spring and bright red berry-like drupes, which provide beautiful contrast against its coarse, textured green foliage.

Red Elder can be pruned as a small single or multi-stemmed tree.

Romeo Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. The dark red fruit are known for being sweeter than other varieties, often considered one of the sweetest dwarf sour cherries. It is typically highly productive, and the cherries are well suited to fresh eating, baking, and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Romeo Cherry was developed at the University of Saskatchewan. It is recommended to grow 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.

Red Elderberry Quick Facts

Romeo Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: low

Toxicity: toxic to humans

Fall colour: orange
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Berries: bright red berries
Berries: medium sized dark red/black cherries best for making juice or fresh eating
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, PE
Other Names: red elder