DESCRIPTION: This cultivar was rediscovered in an old orchard near Edmonton, Alberta and is significant because cherries were not considered viable in the harsh climate of the Canadian prairies, yet the specimen, discovered by Leuan Evans, had been growing there since the 1920s. This shrub is multi-stemmed and self pollinating. White flowers in spring are followed by bright red sour cherries that ripen in summer. If left on the tree, the fruit sweetens with time. Good for pies, jams and jellies.  

BOTANICAL NAME: Prunus cerasus 'Evans'
AVERAGE MATURE HEIGHT: 4 Meters
AVERAGE MATURE SPREAD: 4 Meters
SUN EXPOSURE: Full sun
FLOWER COLOUR: White
FLOWERING TIME: Spring
FOLIAGE COLOUR: Green
COLD HARDINESS: Zone 3 ( Should survive up to -39.9° Celsius )
WATER NEEDS: Average 
OTHER FEATURES: Attracts Birds, Edible, Fragrant

Edible Qualities

Evans Cherry is a small tree that is commonly grown for its edible qualities. It produces cherry red round fruit (technically 'drupes') which are usually ready for picking in mid summer. Note that the fruits have hard inedible pits inside which must be removed before eating or processing. The fruits have a sour taste and a fleshy texture.

The fruit are most often used in the following ways:

• Cooking
• Baking
• Preserves

Features & Attributes

Evans Cherry is bathed in stunning clusters of fragrant white flowers along the branches in mid spring before the leaves. It has dark green foliage throughout the season. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding orange in the fall. The fruits are showy cherry red drupes carried in abundance in mid summer. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up. The smooth dark red bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

This is a deciduous tree with a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Evans Cherry is suitable for the following landscape applications:

• Accent
• Orchard/Edible Landscaping

Planting & Growing

Evans Cherry will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn't require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

This tree is typically grown in a designated area of the yard because of its mature size and spread. It should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.

HEIGHT AT TIME OF SHIPPING: 5 gallon 3-4 feet, 7 gallon 5-6 feet, 10 gallon 6-7 feet. These sizes are approximate and may vary slightly year to year or even depending on the time of year. Height is that of the tree itself and does not include the height of the container.