Romeo Cherry vs Red Rugosa Rose - TreeTime.ca

Romeo Cherry vs Red Rugosa Rose

Prunus x kerrasis Romeo

Rosa Rugosa rubra

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Romeo Cherry
Red Rugosa Rose

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 Rugosa Rose is well-known for its incredible cold hardiness and disease resistance. This variety has beautiful crimson red flowers followed by scarlet rose hips in autumn. Try using the rose hips to make syrups or add flavor to existing fruit dishes and drinks.

Due to their overly thorny stems, Red Rugosa Rose is perfect for creating an impenetrable, deer resistant hedge. We recommend applying mulch during the summer months to retain moisture, cool the roots, and prevent weeds.

Note: This variety is from a seed source, not cuttings. Although somewhat true to seed and color expect some variability.

Romeo Cherry Quick Facts

Red Rugosa Rose Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: orange
Fall colour: orange-red
Flowers: white
Flowers: red-pink
Fruit: rose hips
Berries: medium sized dark red/black cherries best for making juice or fresh eating
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no