Pin Cherry vs Romeo Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Pin Cherry vs Romeo Cherry

Prunus x kerrasis Romeo

Prunus pensylvanica

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Romeo Cherry
Pin Cherry

Romeo Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. The dark red fruit are known for being sweeter than other varieties, often considered one of the sweetest dwarf sour cherries. It is typically highly productive, and the cherries are well suited to fresh eating, baking, and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Romeo 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.

Pin Cherry is a small tree that produces clusters of white blossoms in spring followed by bright red berries that ripen through the summer. The attractive red color of the leaves in the fall is an added bonus.

The fruit is quite sour when eaten fresh but is excellent when cooked into jam or jelly. Birds love the berries and will be attracted to your property.

Romeo Cherry Quick Facts

Pin Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 5 m (16 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: orange
Fall colour: very bright orangish-red
Bark: reddish brown bark has an attractive appearance in the winter
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Fruit: clusters of edible, red cherries often used for jams and jellies
Berries: medium sized dark red/black cherries best for making juice or fresh eating
Berries: clusters of edible, red cherries often used for jams and jellies
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, NT, PE
Other Names: bird cherry, fire cherry, pincherry, red cherry, wild red cherry