Canada Red Chokecherry

Canada Red Chokecherry brings dynamic seasonal interest to your landscape with clusters of delicate white flowers blooming in spring. As the season advances, its green foliage matures into a rich, reddish-purple, adding bold color and contrast. Growing up to 20 feet in height and about 15 feet in width at maturity, it’s ideal as a specimen tree, along borders, or in larger mixed plantings where its color and shape shine.

• A deciduous tree
• Upright, rounded growth habit
• Moderate growth rate
• White flowers blooming in spring
• Foliage turning deep reddish-purple in summer
• Great for specimen planting, borders, and larger beds

Canada Red Chokecherry is hardy in zones 2-7 and will adapt beautifully to your North Texas landscape. It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. With minimal care, it offers year-round interest, combining spring blooms with vibrant summer foliage.

Canada Red Chokecherry’s adaptability and strong seasonal performance make long-term care straightforward in well-sited landscapes. This is all it needs to thrive:

• Watering: Water deeply during the first two growing seasons to establish a strong, stable root system. Once established, it tolerates moderate drought, but occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods helps maintain foliage richness and overall vigor.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter while dormant to remove crossing branches and maintain structural clarity. Suckers may occasionally develop at the base and should be removed to preserve a clean tree form.
• Fertilizing: Fertilizer is rarely necessary in average soils. If growth appears weak or foliage lacks intensity, a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring can support healthy development without overstimulation.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent bark moisture buildup.
• Winter Care: Established trees are cold-hardy and generally require no winter protection. Young trees benefit from trunk protection during early winters to reduce sunscald risk.

Canada Red Chokecherry is generally dependable, though it may encounter typical ornamental cherry concerns. Early monitoring preserves canopy density and seasonal interest.

• Black Knot: Dark, swollen growths may form along branches due to fungal infection. Pruning infected limbs well below affected areas helps prevent spread.
• Aphids: New growth may curl and develop sticky residue from feeding insects. A strong rinse with water or insecticidal soap usually manages light infestations.
• Tent Caterpillars: Webbed nests may appear in branch crotches during spring. Removing nests early helps prevent extensive defoliation.
• Leaf Spot: Small reddish or purple spots may develop during wet conditions. Cleaning up fallen foliage reduces fungal carryover.
• Suckering: Shoots may emerge from the base or roots. Prompt removal maintains tree form and prevents unwanted spread.