Washington Hawthorn vs Romeo Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Washington Hawthorn vs Romeo Cherry

Crataegus phaenopyrum

Prunus x kerrasis Romeo

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Washington Hawthorn
Romeo Cherry

Washington Hawthorn is an attractive ornamental shrub that is dense enough to plant as a privacy screen. It produces clusters of white blooms in late spring to early summer.

Washington Hawthorn's red berries last throughout winter, bringing squirrels and birds to your property. In the fall, its foliage turns beautiful orange, scarlet, or purple.

One of the most overlooked trees on the prairies. This tree is often used as rootstock, a wildlife attractor, or a boulevard hedge. Give this one a second look.

This species is also known as one of the more salt-tolerant species for those with saline soils.

Please note: this plant is poisonous to dogs.

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.

Washington Hawthorn Quick Facts

Romeo Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: low


Fall colour: orange, scarlet or purple
Fall colour: orange
Flowers: white flowers in spring
Flowers: white
Berries: small, red
Berries: medium sized dark red/black cherries best for making juice or fresh eating
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 0.9 m (3 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: washington thorn