Quck answer
Caring for a Schubert cherry tree is important to ensure its health and productivity. Here are some essential tips to follow:
1. Planting: Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the tree, making sure it is level with the ground.
2. Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
3. Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches. This promotes air circulation and sunlight penetration.
4. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in late summer. Follow the package instructions for the correct dosage.
5. Pest and disease control: Monitor for pests like aphids and diseases like cherry leaf spot. Treat as needed with appropriate insecticides or fungicides.
By following these care guidelines, you can enjoy a healthy and fruitful Schubert cherry tree in your garden.
The Schubert cherry tree, also known as Prunus virginiana ‘Schubert’, is a beautiful ornamental tree with reddish-purple leaves. It was introduced in the 1940s and is commonly used in garden settings.
During spring, the leaves of this tree appear green, but as they mature in late spring, they develop the characteristic reddish-purple color.
About the Schubert Cherry Tree
The Schubert cherry tree is native to central North America and produces edible fruits that are often used in preserves, sauces, and wine. It can tolerate alkaline and clay soils and reaches a height of 20 to 30 feet and a width of 15 to 22 feet. It thrives best in cool-summer regions within USDA plant hardiness zones 2 to 7.
It’s important not to confuse the Schubert cherry tree with the Canada Red cultivar, which has darker burgundy-purple leaves but originated from a mutation of the Schubert cherry tree.
Planting a Schubert Cherry Tree
Choose a fertile soil that drains well and doesn’t get waterlogged after rain or irrigation. The tree should be planted in a location that receives at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure optimal leaf coloration, flower and fruit production. Dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball of the tree, but make it two to three times wider.
Water the tree immediately after planting and keep the soil moist throughout the first year. In dry periods, provide additional irrigation to prevent the roots from drying out. It’s crucial to water the tree during droughts.
Apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, extending it 2 to 3 feet beyond the outermost branches. Avoid placing the mulch directly against the tree’s trunk. The mulch will decompose over time, providing nutrients, preventing weed growth, and maintaining a cool and moist soil environment. Add more mulch annually to maintain a depth of 2 to 4 inches.
Pruning a Schubert Cherry Tree
Remove any dead or diseased branches from the tree using hand pruners. For larger branches with a diameter exceeding 3/4 inch, use loppers or a pruning saw. In early spring, eliminate inward-growing branches and those that rub against each other, causing damage to the bark. Also, remove branches with a crotch angle of less than 30 to 45 degrees, as they are weak and prone to breaking during storms.
In early spring and late summer, trim off suckering shoots that grow beneath the tree. Cut them at the base, flush with the surface root or soil level. Regularly removing suckers is important to prevent the tree from becoming a thicket of multiple plants instead of a single-trunked specimen.
Important Considerations
It’s essential to note that the leaves, stems, bark, and seed pit of the chokecherry contain toxins. Therefore, avoid planting this tree in areas where livestock such as sheep, cows, goats, or horses can access it and potentially consume it.
The USDA also warns that while consuming a fruit seed is unlikely to cause illness in children or adults, consuming large amounts of seeds or chewing on chokecherry twigs can lead to sickness and potentially acute poisoning.
