Crimson Passion Cherry vs Opata Cherry Plum - TreeTime.ca

Crimson Passion Cherry vs Opata Cherry Plum

Prunus x kerrasis Crimson Passion

Prunus besseyi x salicina Opata

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Crimson Passion Cherry
Opata Cherry Plum

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.

Opata Cherry Plum is considered to be one of the best tasting Cherry Plum varieties. It has a pleasant, sweet flavour and a hint of acidity. They ripen in mid to late August and are well suited to fresh eating, baking, and preserves.

The fruit is closer to a plum than a cherry but is smaller than most plums.The Opata Cherry Plum’s skin is red/green whereas the flesh is yellow-green. The flesh is freestone with a juicy, firm texture. Similar to other stone fruits, it does not store for very long.

The Opata Cherry Plum is a hybrid between a Western Sand Cherry and a Japanese (Chinese) Plum. For fruit production, it needs to be planted with another variety for cross-pollination. Canada Plum and American Plum are considered universal pollinizers.

Crimson Passion Cherry Quick Facts

Opata Cherry Plum Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $7.99 - SAVE UP TO 79%
Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: orange
Berries: large dark red cherries, excellent quality
Fruit size: 3 cm in diameter
Flavor: excellent variety for fresh eating.
Flavor: pleasant and sweet, hint of acidity
Harvest: mid to late August
Flowers: white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium




Other Names: opata chum, opata plum cherry