Romeo Cherry vs Spicebush - TreeTime.ca

Romeo Cherry vs Spicebush

Prunus x kerrasis Romeo

Lindera benzoin

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Romeo Cherry
Spicebush

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.

The Spicebush is an unique ornamental shrub that blooms with vibrant yellow flowers and bright green foliage. The foliage goes from green to yellow in the autumn, adding fall interest to your garden.The plant is dioecious, meaning that you will need male and female plants in order to harvest it’s red berries. Berries are only produced on female plants. The berries themselves aren’t that sweet, and are mostly enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.

The Spicebush, also commonly known as Common Spicebush, Northern Spicebush, Wild Allspice, and Benjamin Bush, is named after its distinctive spicy-sweet fragrance that comes from the flowers.

Romeo Cherry Quick Facts

Spicebush Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium


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


Native to: ON
Other Names: benjamin bush, common spicebush, northern spicebush, wild allspice