Varieties

Evans (also called Bali or Evans Bali) - This is a tree-type cherry. Ours are about 10 feet tall and were planted in 2009.  The cherries are slightly larger than those on the other cherries listed below, and are more productive. They are a lighter red color than the "romance cherries". Evans are the cherries on the right in the picture above. These have been by far the most productive cherries for us, far out producing our Romance Series cherries.  These cherries are also sweeter than Carmine Jewel cherries and don't really seem to deserve the "sour" cherry label, although they are quite different from sweet cherries you might buy at the grocery store. For those who are interested in such things we have read that Evans are Prunus cerasus (sour cherries) , while all the other cherries listed here are a hybrid of Prunus cerasus and Prunus fruticosa, a Mongolian cherry. Evans cherry trees should be planted about 6-8 feet apart. 

Carmine Jewel - a bush-type cherry, bred by the University of Saskatchewan.  Has been quite productive for us, producing lots of dark red cherries. Our bushes were planted in 2009 and are about 7 feet tall.  Carmine Jewel are the cherries on the left in the photo above. Most years these ripen a week or so earlier than the Evans Cherries, and also earlier than the "romance" series cherries. They are not as sweet as Evans or the other bush cherries but have a wonderful flavor and aroma when processed as pie filling or in baked goods, and their dark red color looks red and glorious in pie filling.  They have a reputation as among the most productive of the bush cherries.  The cherries are a bit smaller than those of Romeo and Juliet. Hardy to zone 2, Carmine Jewel is doing well in locations in North Pole. Bush cherries should be planted 5-6' to grow as bushes, and 3' apart to grow as a hedge.  

Crimson Passion - a "romance", bush-type cherry from the University of Saskatchewan.  These are the same age as the Romeos and Juliets in our orchard, but do not produce as much fruit. They grow more slowly than the other bush cherries and produce a smaller bush.  We did have a bush previously, which got mowed three times before it died.  This cherry is supposed to be very good for fresh eating, with a texture similar to that of sweet cherries. Bush cherries should be planted 5-6' to grow as bushes, and 3' apart to grow as a hedge.   

Juliet - another "romance", bush-type cherry from the University of Saskatchewan.   These started producing at about 3 years old, when they were knee high. We got them as tiny sticks and they have been growing well. These are one of the hardier bush cherries are expected to grow a bit taller than the others as well. The cherries are somewhat larger than Romeo and Carmine Jewel.  Hardy to zone 2 and possibly colder. Bush cherries should be planted 5-6' to grow as bushes, and 3' apart to grow as a hedge.   

Romeo - another "romance", bush-type cherry from the University of Saskatchewan These started producing at about 3 years old, when they were knee high. We got them as tiny sticks and they have been growing well. They have produced a bit more than the Juliet. They are considered by many to be the tastiest bush cherry for fresh eating. Hardy to zone 3, but doing well in our orchard. Bush cherries should be planted 5-6' to grow as bushes, and 3' apart to grow as a hedge.  

Valentine - another "romance", bush-type cherry from the University of Saskatchewan Another very hardy bush cherry (good to zone 2 or colder), with bright red fruit like the Evans cherry, rather than the darker fruit more common to these shrubs. Because it is bright red, it is more attractive dried than the other bush cherries. These bushes grow larger than the other bush cherries, reaching 8 or 9 feet in diameter if not pruned. Perhaps as a result, these are the most said to be the most productive bush cherries, at least on a berries per bush basis. Bush cherries should be planted 5-6' to grow as bushes, and 3' apart to grow as a hedge.  

Nanking Cherries - This is a fast growing bush-type cherry. It produces small cherries, about a 1/2 inch in diameter.  They are tasty but tart, with soft flesh. They make good juice and preserves, but their small size would make them difficult to process for pie filling. Left to their own devices. nanking cherry bushes will get quite large, about 15' tall, but they can also be managed and grown as a hedge or smaller bush, with pruning.

Pin Cherries - tiny sour cherries, but not bad tasting.  SUPER tolerant of severe neglect, and a good pollinator for other cherries..  We kept ours in pots and did not water or bury them in the winter, and they have survived for years.