Crimson Passion Cherry vs Japanese Quince - TreeTime.ca

Crimson Passion Cherry vs Japanese Quince

Prunus x kerrasis Crimson Passion

Chaenomeles japonica

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Crimson Passion Cherry
Japanese Quince

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.

Japanese Quince has bright, orange to red showy flowers that bloom in early spring. The flowers appear before the leaves and may continue to bloom after leaves emerge. Flowers grow on old wood, so pruning after flowering will help to promote new growth next spring. They produce yellow-green fruit that taste bitter when eaten raw, typically they are better suited for making preserves.

It can be used as a stand alone ornamental shrub, as a low hedge, or can be trained to grow against a wall. In late winter, branches of Japanese Quince can be cut and brought indoors where they will bloom on their own. They are deer and rabbit tolerant. The branches are spiny making them well suited for keeping unwanted wildlife away.

Crimson Passion Cherry Quick Facts

Japanese Quince Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 5a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Fall colour: orange
Flowers: white
Flowers: showy, red-orange
Fruit: greenish yellow
Berries: large dark red cherries, excellent quality
Flavor: excellent variety for fresh eating.
Flavor: bitter
Harvest: fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: flowering quince, maules quince