Robert Chokecherry vs Porthos Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Robert Chokecherry vs Porthos Cherry

Prunus virginiana Robert

Prunus cerasus Porthos

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Robert Chokecherry
Porthos Cherry

Developed in Barrhead, Alberta, the Robert Chokecherry produces very large berries (comparable to the size of grapes) with good yield.

The berries can be used for wine, jams, jellies and fresh picking, making it one of the sweeter chokecherries. Rich, red foliage make it a striking landscape addition.

Porthos Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry that features white spring flowers followed by large, dark red fruit in mid-to-late summer. Among sour cherries, Porthos is exceptionally sweet with well-balanced acidity. These cherries are ideal for fresh eating, freezing, baking, winemaking, and preserves.

Porthos Cherry was developed by the University of Saskatchewan Fruit Program as part of the Musketeer series and released in 2022. They recommended growing 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.

Robert Chokecherry Quick Facts

Porthos Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Growth form: semi upright, compact
Spreading: suckering - low
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: Toxic to animals with segmented stomachs (horses, cattle, deer moose, etc.)

Foliage: red leaves
Flowers: white
Bloom time: mid to late spring
Fruit: large, black, grape sized
Fruit: deep red
Flavor: sweet with balanced acidity
Harvest: mid to late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: porthos sour cherry