Prunus Carmine Jewel - Dwarf Cherry

Prunus cerasus 'Carmine Jewel' is a self-fertile dwarf cherry tree variety, with small sour cherries as its fruit. It forms a bush without a trunk, with branches starting near the ground and reaching a height of 2m (7ft). This makes it ideal for small spaces and pots, but it also makes it very easy to harvest the fruit. These small dark red fruits, very abundant in June and July, have a sweet and juicy flesh, suitable for both sweet and savory dishes. Very hardy, it is easy to grow everywhere except in clayey soil.

Prunus cerasus belongs to the Rosaceae family, also known as the 'Morello' cherry tree or Sour cherry tree. It is native to Asia Minor and grows quite widely in Europe. Hardy, it withstands cold and adapts well to all regions. If grown in a pot, it is advisable to protect it during cold periods. It prefers a sunny exposure, slightly sheltered from the wind. It adapts to all types of soil, even slightly calcareous, except for clayey soil.

The 'Carmine Jewel' variety is characterized by its bushy habit, without a trunk. It does not exceed 1.5 to 2 metres (5 to 7 feet) in height, with the same width. Its flowers appear as early as March, before the leaf bud burst period. This flowering, composed of white flowers grouped in clusters, very early in spring, is always a dazzling sight announcing the end of winter. In the garden, the flowering Sour cherry tree is very attractive to bees, which willingly collect its nectar. The reddish wood is a characteristic feature of the cherry tree family. In June-July, this Sour cherry tree produces an abundant crop of small red fruits, smaller than sweet cherries, with firm and juicy flesh. The fruit is attached to the branch by a short petiole measuring 1 to 2cm (0 to 1in) long. The deciduous foliage is light green and takes on brownish-orange hues in autumn.

The fruit or drupe of the dwarf cherry tree is rich in antioxidants, making it beneficial for health. It can be eaten raw from the tree, but sour cherries reveal their flavors in cooking to enhance sweet pastries or savory dishes, or simply in jam.