Cherry Bush
Interesting Facts About The Cherry Bush
There are many types of cherry bush, as this type of plant typically yields fruit in a shorter period of time than does the tree. The cherry bush tends to be quite hardy, easy to care for, and available at nurseries world wide. A great deal of cross breeding has been done since the 1940’s, in hopes of bringing to the public the very types of wonderful fruiting shrubs that we have today.
Many types of cherry bush were chosen and bred against each other in order to bring the best traits from each plant together as one. This process is much like that of breeding dogs or horses, though we would venture to say a bit less risky and expensive. One downfall, however, is that birds and scavengers find the cherry bush quite attractive, and it can be difficult to keep the fruit for yourself should they get wind of it. A good solution to this problem, as this bush is so easily maintained and can be cut back regularly, is to plant your cherry bush cluster close to your house. The noise and traffic may help to deter would be raiders from coming too close.
The original cross breeding that took place in hopes of creating the wonderful cherry bush we have today involved the “pie cherry,” or prunus cerasus and the Mongolian Cherry, or prunus fruiticosa. The resulting cherry bush grew to no higher than 8’, and gave at harvest a deep red to purple fruit. This plant could grow just about anywhere it seemed, easily taking root in clay, sand, and alkaline coils alike. This cherry bush is still considered as good standing stock for the ongoing cross breeding work being done today.
Depending on which type of plant you choose, the fruit yield from the cherry bush tends to be quite high. There is every color, size, texture, and taste imaginable for the cherry lover, from small tart cherries to enormous sweet ones. The heights and thicknesses of the bushes can vary as well, but most tend to top out between 4’ and 6’ high, and the reclining branches can be trimmed back should wander too far onto a foot path or walkway.
With the development of the cherry bush, gardening and berry picking enthusiasts are afforded the luxury of taking on a plant who most generously gives more than it takes. Owners enjoy the blossoms in the spring, the fruit in the summer, and none of the worry that comes with wood borers or expensive trees failing to take root before the fall begins. I have to go get myself a couple of cherry bushes now. Happy picking!