Common Caragana vs Porthos Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Common Caragana vs Porthos Cherry

Prunus cerasus Porthos

Caragana arborescens

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Porthos Cherry
Common Caragana

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.

Common Caragana is a fast growing shrub that's known for its exceptional hardiness and drought tolerance. Although it's most commonly planted in shelterbelts, Common Caragana is also an excellent hedge or feature shrub.

Note: in warmer areas, this species can be difficult to contain once planted. Use the right plant in the right place.

Porthos Cherry Quick Facts

Common Caragana Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1b
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 4 m (13 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
Growth form: semi upright, compact
Spreading: suckering - low
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: white
Flowers: yellow, in spring
Bloom time: mid to late spring
Fruit: deep red
Fruit: pod like fruits
Flavor: sweet with balanced acidity
Harvest: mid to late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: porthos sour cherry
Other Names: black karagana, caragana, pea tree, siberian pea shrub, yellow acacia