Crimson Passion Cherry vs Purple Leaf Sand Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Crimson Passion Cherry vs Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

Prunus x kerrasis Crimson Passion

Prunus x cistena

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

CUSTOM GROW

Crimson Passion Cherry
Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

Crimson Passion Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. It produces deep, dark burgundy fruit that are larger and sweeter than other varieties, with a texture that is similar to sweet cherries. They are one of the top varieties for fresh eating but are also well-suited to baking and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Crimson Passion 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.

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry provides bright reddish-purple leaves that turn bronze-green in the fall. In the spring, tiny flowers with a pinkish white hue bloom. The flowers are small, but the impact comes from the shrub blossoming all at once.

The Purple leaf sand cherry can be susceptible to pests and diseases in more humid areas; a typical life span is approximately 15 years. Not suitable for a privacy hedge on its own but is often alternated with lilacs. Often used as an accent plant that attracts birds and bees.

Crimson Passion Cherry Quick Facts

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry Quick Facts

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


Toxicity: the leaves and seed are slightly toxic
Foliage: purple leaves
Fall colour: orange
Fall colour: dark red
Bark: dark red to purple
Flowers: white
Flowers: pinkish
Fruit: dark red fruit
Berries: large dark red cherries, excellent quality
Flavor: excellent variety for fresh eating.
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: purpleleaf sandcherry