Prunus x kerrasis 'Carmine Jewel' (very early-season) (self-fertile)

The Carmine Jewel Dwarf Sour Cherry Tree is a dwarf, vigorous shrub that can yield up to 15 pounds by the fourth year of growth, and double that by the fifth. It is extremely cold hardy (zone 2a = -45 °C), easy to grow tree, self-fertile, and highly ornamental. It is noted for its pinkish-white spring blooms, and attractive dense, dark green foliage. The lifespan of each tree is 20 to 25 years. 'Carmine Jewel' produces very few suckers. Its compact habit (6 ft tall) makes picking fruits effortless. It makes a stunning focal point in the landscape. This is the most productive variety of the hardy dwarf sour cherry trees developed by the University of Saskatchewan (SK). SK cultivars offer sweeter and bigger fruits than the traditional hardy cherry trees 'Evans' and 'Montmorency'. Carmine Jewel produces firm, medium-sized, mildy sweet, sour cherries (Brix =17°). The fruits ripen between late July and early-August, and average 3.5 grams each. This is earliest variety to set fruits among the SK Dwarf Sour Cherry cultivars. The fruit is packed with antioxidants and is excellent fresh, and in pies and preserves.