
Carmine Jewel Cherry
Prunus pulsar 'Carmine Jewel'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
78 inches
Width
72 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low to Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Cultivated hybrid
Toxicity
Stems, leaves, and seeds are toxic if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
A self-pollinating, cold-hardy dwarf cherry, a hybrid of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) and Mongolian cherry (P. fruticosa). It grows as a multi-stemmed shrub, producing abundant dark red, tart cherries in summer. Produces high yields of dark red, almost black, sour cherries with a high sugar content, excellent for pies, jams, and wine. Fruit is borne on new and old wood. Highly resistant to pests and diseases.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck young trees into well-prepared soil with compost for best root development.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Plant in early spring after the last frost for optimal growth.
- Water deeply once a week during dry periods to establish roots.
- Prune annually to shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
- Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil for healthy flowering and fruiting.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells 🌱
- Prune in late winter to shape and remove weak branches
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Inspect regularly for pests and diseases
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot ❌
- Don't prune in late summer or fall, as it can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by frost
- Refrain from ignoring pest infestations
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soil
- Don't fertilize excessively, as it can promote weak growth
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Carmine Jewel Cherry questions
What zones can Carmine Jewel Cherry grow in?
Carmine Jewel Cherry is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Carmine Jewel Cherry deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Carmine Jewel Cherry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Carmine Jewel Cherry bloom?
Carmine Jewel Cherry typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Carmine Jewel Cherry need full sun?
Carmine Jewel Cherry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Carmine Jewel Cherry drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Carmine Jewel Cherry handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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