Botanical profile

Montmorency sour cherry

Latin name
Montmorency sour cherry
Common name
'Montmorency' Cherry
Type
Fruit tree
Family
Rosaceae

Prunus cerasus 'Montmorency' is a hardy sour cherry tree well-suited to Quebec's climate, famous for its bright red, juicy, tart sour cherries, a classic in pies, jams, juices, and preserves, and also enjoyed fresh by those who appreciate this flavor profile. Its white blossoms in May herald the arrival of fruits that ripen early in the season and offer excellent yields in Quebec's hardiness zones 3–5. Self-fertile, this variety produces better results with the presence of a second compatible cherry tree to optimize pollination. The 'Montmorency' cherry tree prefers full sun exposure and neutral, cool, well-drained soil, and remains easy to grow and productive in our northern conditions, even if good spacing and regular watering in the first few years promote better growth.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 4 to 7
Exposure
Full sun
Watering
Moderate watering
Fertilization
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium in early spring (March-April). On sandy soil, a second application may be necessary in summer.
Soil type
Fertile, well-drained, loamy or sandy soil.
Minimum temperature
'-34°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Late spring (April-May)
Flower color
White
Fruiting
Bright red, tart Morello cherries, juicy
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Rounded shape
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
33 ft (10 m)
Width
12–15 ft (3.6–4.5 m)
Growth rate
Moderate growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Fruit tree type
Cherry
Pet friendly
Safe for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.