Container Cherry Bushes

Cherry bushes are miniature fruit trees that reach a height of about 4 feet. The variety depends upon the species used to propagate the bush. For instance, Prunus cerasus X Prunus fruticosa produces a low-growing sour cherry that is used in pies and jams. The bushes are winter-hardy and generally produce fruit in the fall instead of the summer. Cherry bushes produce an abundant crop large enough for winter storage. Some varieties, such as "Crimson Passion" or "Juliet," have a Brix sugar index as high as 18 to 24 degrees, making it an excellent table cherry. The Brix scale rating for sweet cherries classifies poor specimens at 7.3 and excellent specimens at 19 or higher.

History of Cherry Bushes

The available varieties of cherry bushes have taken over 60 years to perfect. Les Kerr started breeding dwarf varieties of the cherry tree in the 1940s. Kerr's research and that of other scientists, including Elwyn Meader, has produced both sweet and sour varieties of cherry bushes. Breeding programs by the University of Saskatchewan have produced six varieties of dwarf cherry trees and bushes since 1999. Ranging in height from 4 to 6 feet, each variety has its own score on the Brix sugar register. For instance, a good sour cherry, such as "Carmine Jewel," registers a 17 on the Brix scale and the "Evans" variety averages about 14 at harvest.

The Growing Season

Container cherry bushes do well outdoors year round as long as the root ball does not freeze. The bushes flower in the spring about three years after planting and start producing the cherries for a fall harvest. There are varieties of cherry bushes that are self-pollinating and others that need a second tree for fruit production. Certain varieties, including "Carmine Jewel," ripen from the middle of July to late August. "Crimson Passion" and other varieties ripen at the end of August. The glossy leaves and blooms of the bush make the cherry bush an added ornamental to the landscape. The bush goes dormant during the cold season. Protect the root ball of container cherry bushes from harsh winter conditions by moving the container into a sheltered area like a garage or enclosed patio. If an indoor structure is not available, consider setting the container in a hole in the ground and protecting the root ball with a layer of mulch. For mild climates, choose a low-chill variety that does not require a long dormant season for fruit production. An example of low chill varieties are the "Minnie Royal" and "Royal Lee" that have been grafted onto dwarf root stock.

Harvesting the Crop

The cherries ripen in the fall when most birds do not bother the fruit. However, precautions should be taken just in case the wildlife realize the prize available on the tree. Netting is easily spread over the bushes and allows for harvesting once the cherries are ripe. The color of the cherries on the bush is not an indicator of ripeness. While the cherry may be red, some varieties, such as "Juliet," reach peak sweetness when the cherries turn a deep, dark color. The cherries are gathered, pitted and used just as any other cherry from a standard tree. The cherry bushes produce fruit for jams, drying and pies.

Care and Maintenance

Container cherry bushes need water to produce the blossoms and the fruit. However, excessive watering during the ripening stage of the cherry fruit causes the sugar level in the fruit to drop. The cherry bushes also need a slow-release fertilizer mixed with the container soil so the bush receives the needed nutrients for production. Pruning is done from the top instead of the bottom, like most trees. Top pruning keeps the bush at a manageable container size and still allows the bottom branches to produce the fruit.

About the Author

Julie Richards


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