Description of columnar cherry varieties with photos

Cherries

Unusual columnar cherry varieties have appeared in gardens relatively recently and have become popular with many gardeners for their compact form. They are easy to care for, prune, and harvest. Before purchasing, it is necessary to consider the climate and soil characteristics, study photos, reviews, and advice on agricultural technology.

Description of the columnar cherry variety

Columnar cherry trees are a new development in tree breeding. Gardeners are increasingly choosing them to save space in their gardens while maintaining the quality and volume of their harvest. Cherries of this type were bred after pears and apples. They boast a surprising number of names and characteristics.

Columnar varieties of sweet cherries have characteristic differences:

A mature tree reaches no more than 2–3 meters in height. Thanks to its special crown shape, the average diameter is 1–1.5 meters. This saves planting space and reduces the distance to a fence.
The flowering and ripening period is no different from standard varieties. The first flower stalks appear in May, and the fruits can be harvested in mid- to late June (depending on the climate zone and region).
Yield depends largely on the columnar cherry variety and its ability to self-pollinate. Experienced gardeners recommend planting different varieties in the same plot to increase the fruit set.
The varieties' transportability allows the harvest to be transported for sale without loss of flavor or marketability. The seedlings are also resilient during transit to the planting site.
The trees' drought tolerance allows them to be grown equally effectively in warmer regions, including the Moscow region. They tolerate extreme dryness and require increased watering during fruit set and fruiting.
Frost resistance allows agriculturalists to recommend some cherry varieties for cold Siberia: the root system does not die at temperatures of -25–30°C.

All new columnar cherry varieties have a small amount of green foliage and a neat crown. They receive ample sunlight and are well-ventilated on hot days, resulting in fruit with a rich aroma, pleasant flavor, and juiciness.

Important!

Many amateur gardeners are unsure whether columnar cherry trees exist. Seedlings are just beginning to become available commercially, and information about cultivation methods and harvest quality is virtually nonexistent.

Varieties of columnar cherries for the regions

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For a long time, the cherry tree was considered a tree that required careful attention to climate, care, and watering. It was rarely grown in Siberian latitudes, for fear that the fruit would not have time to develop its juiciness and sweetness. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, many varieties with high frost resistance have emerged. With proper care, they guarantee fruitful results.

Columnar cherry varieties have many advantages:

spectacular crown shape;
ease of harvesting;
ease of preparation for winter;
the possibility of getting the first harvest 2–3 years after planting.

Depending on the variety, columnar cherries can be black, red, or yellow. These low-growing trees resemble slender columns, giving a well-kept appearance. Disadvantages include a short lifespan and the need for periodic pruning of side shoots to maintain a neat crown.

The best and most adapted varieties of columnar cherries depending on climatic conditions:

For the Moscow and Leningrad regions, experts recommend the undemanding Sam, Chernaya, and Revna cherry trees. They tolerate late frosts in May, continuing to bloom and set fruit. Large berries, weighing 10–12 grams, allow for a bountiful harvest in a short period.
The best columnar cherry varieties for the Urals are Chernaya and Revna. They are frost-resistant and survive the winter with minimal preparation. Trees reach a height of no more than 2–3 meters, are resistant to strong winds, and resist many fungal infections.
The central Russian climate allows gardeners to choose from varieties other than winter-hardy ones. They can choose from Sylvia, Queen Mary, Yellow, and Tyutchevka.
The Malutka variety is ideal for Siberia. This miniature tree grows to no more than 2 meters, so the trunk doesn't break in the wind. The small berries can be used for preserves or eaten fresh. A single cherry tree can easily yield up to 13–15 kg.

In colder regions, gardeners recommend planting trees in special containers. Dwarf varieties grow for a long time in 15-20 liter buckets. After the leaves fall, they can be moved indoors, such as an insulated cellar with a temperature of up to 10°C.

Important!

Frost-hardy varieties are ideally suited to the harsh climate of Siberia and the Urals. However, without proper preparation and trunk protection, they perish at temperatures below –30°C.

Existing varieties of columnar cherries

The selection process focused on the most low-maintenance varieties, whose fruits are characterized by their flavor and large size. Self-fertile varieties, which do not require pollination, are best suited for growing in a private garden. All characteristics should be clarified with the seller, and seedlings should be purchased from specialized stores.

The most popular varieties for the middle zone regions:

Sam. Practically the only high-yielding variety grown commercially for fruit production.
Large, dark-red cherries resemble the Valery Chkalov variety in flavor. They ripen quickly in mid-June, making them ideal for planting in the Urals. Their average lifespan is 15–17 years.
Sabrina. A self-fertile variety with a beautiful, sparse crown, growing up to 2.5 m in height.
The harvest fully ripens in early July. The fruits are red-gold in color and contain a lot of sugar. Although frost-tolerant, they grow best in the warm climate of Krasnodar and Crimea.
Yellow. Trees of this variety are recommended for commercial cultivation: the firm berries are suitable for transportation and canning for the winter. It is easy to care for and requires little watering, but prefers non-waterlogged soil.
Black. The small fruits resemble cherries and have a delicate flavor. Their main advantage is their easy adaptation to the harsh Siberian conditions. They produce a bountiful harvest with little sunshine. Recommended for beginning gardeners.
JealousyThe fruits are no more than 0.8 cm in diameter, but are prized for their juiciness and nutritional value. They tolerate drought and heat well.
Sylvia. A classic columnar cherry variety for Moscow region gardens with excellent immunity, high yields, and frost resistance. It produces its first crop in the second year after grafting and is pollinated by Sylvia and Sam.

Important!

These varieties became the basis for developing new cultivars. To ensure self-pollination, different seedlings must be combined in a single plot.

Not all of the species listed can be planted in cold regions. Their root systems are shallow and therefore susceptible to freezing. Overwatering, high groundwater levels, and proximity to sewer pits are equally damaging.

Varieties up to 2–2.5 m tall are suitable for decorative landscaping. Planted in rows spaced 1–1.2 m apart, they form a striking wall, allowing for division of space while using the land efficiently.

Agronomists recommend the following varieties:

Little Sylvia. The trunk grows no higher than 2 m, with a compact crown of tightly packed branches. Prized by gardeners for its high sugar content, juiciness, and ability to fully ripen by the 3rd or 4th week of June.
Sabrina. The fleshy fruits contain many vitamins and microelements and are ready for harvest in the second half of June. Sweet cherries grow to 2.2–2.5 m and do not tolerate severe frosts or spring frosts well. Among the positive aspects is their resistance to many bacterial diseases.
Queen Mary. A frost-sensitive fruit tree. Suitable for planting in portable containers, it produces 13–14 kg of juicy, burgundy-colored berries with proper care.
Baby. This ornamental shrub, up to 0.7 m in diameter, requires no pruning or shaping. When fruiting, the medium-sized berries completely cover the trunk, resembling an ear of corn.
IputThis variety produces medium-sized fruits with excellent flavor and is suitable for winter preservation. It tolerates crate transportation without losing its appearance. It is considered a mid-season variety for home cultivation in the Central Black Earth Region.
Tyutchevka. This variety is self-fertile. A single tree can yield up to 25 kg of small cherries with a pleasant aftertaste. On average, it retains its fruit-bearing capacity for 20–22 years.

The cherry varieties pictured below are recommended for growing in warm climates. However, new varieties are increasingly appearing on the market that boast surprising frost and hail tolerance. Even proven varieties only produce a large harvest if properly planted in a hole or on a mound, and with regular fertilization and watering.

Reviews of columnar cherries

Victoria Petrovna, Ryazan

We've been growing columnar trees on our property for over five years. I've acquired several cherry varieties: Iput, Sabrina, and Malyutka. I like how the collection takes up minimal space and creates a unique fence near the gazebo. The yield, of course, shouldn't compare to other varieties. But they're so easy to care for that even a novice homeowner can handle it.

Valery, Kolomna

Several years ago, we bought columnar cherry trees of the Iput, Sylvia, and Yellow varieties at an exhibition at VDNKh. We really like the appearance of their crowns and the ability to harvest the fruit from a stepladder without assistance. They easily withstand Moscow winters and are low-maintenance. I highly recommend them as a vitamin supplement for grandchildren and as a decoration for our beloved dacha.

Growing columnar cherries will appeal to gardeners who enjoy bold experiments in their garden. They don't produce a large harvest for sale and are recommended for small farms. However, the compact trees become a beautiful addition to the garden and will bring pleasure with their easy care.