Annabelle Hydrangea vs Porthos Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Annabelle Hydrangea vs Porthos Cherry

Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle

Prunus cerasus Porthos

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Annabelle Hydrangea
Porthos Cherry

Annabelle Hydrangea is a cold hardy shrub that is well known for its large, compact clusters of white flowers. Unlike other flowering species, Hydrangeas do best in partial shade. However, they are capable of growing in full sun if the soil is kept consistently moist.

Blooms occur on new wood, so regular pruning is encouraged in late winter. Try Annabelle Hydrangea as a border or on its own.

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.

Annabelle Hydrangea Quick Facts

Porthos Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade
Light: full sun
Moisture: 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


Flowers: white, showy clusters
Flowers: white
Bloom time: mid to late spring
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