Cherry of the Rio Grande

These are not true cherries, but are a very good delicious substitute. The fruit is deep red to purple color and 1 to 2 inches in size, with a full sweet cherry-like flavor. They grow on a very attractive evergreen shrub with smooth, glossy dark green leaves. It grows to about 6’, with good drought tolerance. The bush starts blooming in March and continues blooming for several months with fruit ripe three weeks from the bloom.

Care of Rio Grande Cherry Shrubs

Cold tolerance: After protecting the first winter, the tree is hardy to about 20 degrees. The first winter protect by covering with a blanket and protect the trunk by piling mulch as high as possible.

Care: Keep in pot until late March or early April, and bring in if there is going to be a frost or freeze. Then the tree can be planted in the ground  Full sun is best. Plant in well drained location using the existing soil only. It can be lightly fertilized in early summer with an organic fertilizer