Bush Cherry ‘Joel’ (Prunus japonica x Prunus jacquemontii)

Bush Cherry ‘Joel’ (Prunus japonica x Prunus jacquemontii)
Hybridized by renowned plant breeder Dr Elwyn Meader of Durham, NH, Bush Cherry ‘Joel’ grows 4’ tall by 3’ wide and ripens in late summer to escape spring frosts and bird damage (supposedly birds cause less fruit damage in late summer since there are other tasty things for them to eat). Similar in size and flavor to a Montmorency tart cherry, the fruits ripen in late August. The fresh cherries can be processed into jams, jelly, pies or cherry juice. Tart cherry juice or dried tart cherries contain high levels of antioxidants that are beneficial to human health. Plants start bearing fruit in 2-3 years and will have a productive life of 20 years. Bush Cherry ‘Joel’ is self-fertile, plus it has good vigor and disease resistance. Pink flowers appear in spring making it highly ornamental as well as an excellent plant for edible landscaping in the home garden.