Columnar Tart Cherry tree pairing

This columnar Cherry duo brings together the varieties of Cherry trees 'Hong Kong' and 'Shangai', selected for their particularly narrow habit, productivity, and excellent table cherries. With their columnar habit and compact size (3 to 4 m (10 to 13ft) tall and 60 cm (24in) wide), they easily fit into small gardens and can even be grown in containers on a terrace or balcony. Their flowering is very decorative in April. They bear their first cherries 2 to 3 years after planting, and fruit production becomes optimal after 5 to 7 years. They are harvested in July. These two varieties are disease-resistant. They require staking.

This duo consists of:

- 1 x 'Hong Kong' Cherry tree: white flowering in April, medium-sized cherries of light and vibrant red, crisp and sweet. A self-fertile variety that does not require the presence of another cherry tree to bear fruit.

- 1 x 'Shangai' Cherry tree: pale pink flowering in April, decorative. Medium-sized cherries, dark red in colour, good taste. A self-fertile variety that does not require the presence of another cherry tree to bear fruit.

You can plant these cherry trees from October to March in open ground. If you grow them in a container, planting is possible all year round except during freezing or heatwave periods. They will need a sunny exposure to flower and bear fruit abundantly and will need to be staked. In open ground, space the plants 80 cm (32in) to 1 m (3ft) apart. Dig a large planting hole at least 3 times the volume of the root ball. Simultaneously add organic matter (potting soil, compost...) and a base fertilizer like bonemeal. Do not bury the graft union. Stake if necessary. Water abundantly, even in winter, even if it rains.

In containers: choose a large volume model, 30 to 50 liters, with drainage holes at the bottom. Use a mix of topsoil and potting soil. Regular fruit tree fertilisers and watering will be necessary to obtain generous harvests.

The Cherry tree is a deciduous tree that can withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F), while the flowers are sensitive to spring frosts and are damaged at temperatures below -2°C (28.4°F).  Columnar Cherry trees can be planted in a small fruit hedge or in a large container. Cherries are rich in vitamin C, minerals, and trace elements. Enjoy them immediately after picking or, if the harvest is abundant, use them to make pies, clafoutis, jams, and preserves.