Western Sand Cherry vs Carmine Jewel Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Western Sand Cherry vs Carmine Jewel Cherry

Prunus x kerrasis Carmine Jewel

Prunus pumila var besseyi

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Carmine Jewel Cherry
Western Sand Cherry

Carmine Jewel Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. It is typically highly productive and one of the first varieties to ripen in summer. It produces deep red, tart fruit that are well-suited for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Carmine Jewel 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.

Western Sand Cherry is known for its unique, leathery grey-green foliage and beautiful white blossoms. It is a popular ornamental shrub in parks and front yards. Both you and the wildlife will love its edible small dark red to purple cherries.

Due to its small stature and spreading qualities, Western Sandcherry is suitable as an underplanting or groundcover.

Many people graft plum and cherry varieties to Western Sand Cherry and use it as rootstock. It is also popular to graft hardy apricots to.

Carmine Jewel Cherry Quick Facts

Western Sand Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.0 m (7 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium


Foliage: grey-green
Fall colour: orange
Fall colour: reddish-orange
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Berries: large dark purple cherries
Berries: small purple cherries
Fruit size: 3.5g
Flavor: tart - best for pies and jams
Harvest: late July to early August
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no