How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Lapins Cherry Trees
A self-pollinating variety rewarding small spaces with fragrant blooms and juicy fruit.
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for ‘Lapins’ Cherry Trees
Lapins cherry trees are a standout choice for the home gardener, admired for their profuse spring blossoms, reliable self-pollination, sweet dark fruit, and compact growth perfect for small spaces. With the right care, these versatile trees can reward you with not only beautiful foliage throughout the seasons but also abundant harvests of juicy cherries for fresh eating or baking. This guide will lead you step-by-step through planting, nurturing, and enjoying your own Lapins cherry tree.
Why Choose a Lapins Cherry Tree?
- Self-pollinating: Only one tree needed for a fruit harvest
- Spectacular seasonal beauty: Attractive spring flowers, lush foliage, and fiery autumn color
- Sweet, firm fruit: Dark red, juicy cherries ideal for eating fresh or in desserts
- Adaptable growth: Grows well in both ground and large containers
- Cold-hardy: Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5â9
Lapins Cherry Tree Overview
| Genus | Prunus |
|---|---|
| Species | Prunus avium âLapinsâ |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Origin | Developed in British Columbia, Canada |
| Mature Height & Spread | 15â20 ft high à 10â15 ft wide (can be pruned smaller) |
| Growth Form | Medium-sized tree; can be grown in large pots |
| Flowering Time | Spring |
| Fruiting Time | Summer (fruits ripen mid- to late June) |
| Fruit Color | Mahogany red, large, firm cherries |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (minimum 8 hours/day for best yields) |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile soil (adapts to most types) |
| Water Needs | Medium (regular watering during establishment and dry spells) |
| Pests and Diseases | Aphids, cherry fruit fly, bacterial canker, cherry leaf spot |
| Attracts | Pollinators (bees and other beneficial insects during bloom) |
| Maintenance | Annual pruning, light feeding, mulching |
Lapins Cherry Tree Origins and Features
The Lapins cherry was developed in British Columbia, Canada, as a valuable cross between the ‘Van’ and ‘Stella’ cherry varieties. Like its parent ‘Stella,’ Lapins is self-fertile, so you donât need a second tree for pollination or fruit setâa major advantage for smaller gardens. Lapins trees produce large, dark, mahogany-red cherries with a sweet, firm texture. They also display good resistance to fruit cracking, making harvests more reliable even in unpredictable summer rain.
Lapins trees typically begin fruiting after 3â4 years, sometimes earlier in ideal conditions. The trees are adaptable and naturally vigorous, capable of growing up to 40 feet tall if left unchecked, but theyâre usually maintained at 15â20 feet (or smaller when pruned or container-grown). Their ornamental value lasts all year, with fragrant white spring blooms, glossy dark green summer leaves, vibrant autumn foliage, and attractive bark in winter.
Planting Lapins Cherry Trees
Best Location
- Sunlight: Choose a spot that receives at least 8 hours of full sun per day. Insufficient sun will reduce flower formation and fruit yields.
- Spacing: Allow 15â20 feet between standard trees and 8â10 feet for dwarf forms. If planting near structures or other trees, give adequate space for the mature canopy to develop.
- Hybrid and Container Cultivation: Lapins are successful in large pots (minimum 18 inches wide/deep) as long as water and nutrients are managed well. This makes them suitable for patios and small garden spaces.
Soil Requirements
- Well-draining soil is essential. Lapins tolerate a range of soil types if drainage is good.
- Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the planting hole to improve fertility and structure.
- Avoid heavy clay or areas prone to standing water, which can cause root rot.
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Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball or container.
- Amend removed soil with compost for backfill.
- Place the tree with its graft union (the bulge where rootstock and scion meet) 2â3 inches above soil level.
- Backfill gently, tamping down to remove air pockets.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Add a 3â4 inch layer of organic mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds. Keep mulch away from the trunk.
- If planting in a container, ensure ample drainage holes and use high-quality potting mix with added compost.
Caring for Lapins Cherry Trees
Watering
- Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated during the first growing season.
- Once established, Lapins trees require watering only during dry spellsâusually once a week is sufficient. Adjust for weather and soil conditions.
- Container-grown trees dry out faster and need more frequent checks during hot weather.
Fertilizing
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Apply 3 inches from the trunk out to the dripline.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can result in leafy growth and poor fruiting.
- A yearly application of compost or well-rotted manure keeps soil nutrients replenished.
Mulching
- Maintain a consistent 3â4 inch mulch layer under the canopy to regulate soil moisture and temperature, and to suppress weeds.
- Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest issues.
Pruning
- Prune annually in late winter or early spring, before bud break.
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood.
- Thin crowded branches to maintain an open structure for air and light penetration, crucial for reducing disease and encouraging fruit.
- Keep the tree at a manageable size for ease of harvest and care, particularly in small gardens or containers.
Pest and Disease Management
- Monitor for aphids and other sucking insects, especially in spring and early summer.
- Common diseases include bacterial canker and cherry leaf spot. Maintain good air circulation and prune out infected wood.
- Water at the base of the tree to avoid leaf wetness and minimize disease risk.
- Harvest promptly to avoid attracting cherry fruit flies or birds.
- Encourage beneficial insects and use organic sprays if necessary to reduce pest pressure.
Harvesting and Using Lapins Cherries
- Cherries ripen on the tree and should be picked when fully matureâdeep red, glossy, and firm to the touch.
- Taste a cherry to check for peak ripeness. Lapins are usually ready from mid- to late June, about 10 days after ‘Bing’ cherries ripen.
- Use garden shears or gently twist cherries from their stems to reduce branch damage.
- Fresh Lapins cherries are excellent for eating out of hand, but they also stand up well to baking, canning, freezing, and preserving.
- To store, keep freshly picked cherries in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, pit and freeze them or make preserves.
Growing Lapins Cherries in Containers
- Choose dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties for best results in pots.
- Use sturdy containers (18â24 inches wide and deep) with drainage holes.
- Water and feed container-grown trees more often, as soil dries out and nutrients are used up rapidly.
- Prune to keep the treeâs structure balanced and compact.
Lapins vs. Other Cherry Varieties
| Variety | Self-Pollinating | Ripening Time | Fruit Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lapins | Yes | Mid-Late June | Large, sweet, firm, mahogany red | Fresh eating, desserts, preserves |
| Bing | No | Early-Mid June | Large, dark red, juicy, classic flavor | Fresh eating |
| Sweetheart | Yes | Late June-July | Bright red, crisp, sweet-tart | Fresh, canning |
| Emperor Francis | No | Mid-June | Yellow-white, very sweet | Fresh, maraschinos |
Companion Planting and Pollination
As a self-pollinating variety, only a single Lapins tree is needed for fruit production, but planting other cherry trees nearby can increase yields due to greater bee activity. Underplant with pollinator-attracting flowers like calendula, borage, and alyssum to encourage healthy fruit sets and natural pest control. Fruit set is generally reliable even in the absence of other cherries, unlike some traditional varieties that need pollination partners.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Pest pressure: Aphids and cherry fruit fly. Use insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or encourage natural predators.
- Leaf issues: Yellowing or spotting may indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or cherry leaf spot. Remove affected leaves and adjust care as needed.
- Poor fruit set: Often due to low sunlight levels. Ensure at least 8 hours of direct sun daily.
- Cracking of fruit: Lapins is resistant, but excessive rain near harvest can still cause cracking; pick after dry spells when possible.
- Pruning wounds: Prune during dry periods to allow cuts to heal quickly and avoid infection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do Lapins cherry trees need another tree for pollination?
A: No, Lapins cherry trees are self-pollinating. A single tree will set fruit, but planting another cherry nearby may improve yields due to increased pollinator activity.
Q: How long does it take for Lapins cherry trees to bear fruit?
A: Typically, Lapins produce fruit 3â4 years after planting. Young trees may yield a few cherries earlier, with harvests increasing each year.
Q: Are Lapins cherries good for baking?
A: Yes, Lapins cherries have firm, sweet flesh that holds up well in pies, clafoutis, and preserves as well as being delicious fresh.
Q: Can I grow a Lapins cherry tree in a pot?
A: Absolutely. Theyâre well-suited to containers if you choose a dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstock and provide ample water and nutrients. Regular pruning keeps them compact.
Q: What zones are Lapins cherries suitable for?
A: Lapins cherry trees thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5â9, tolerating mild winters and moderate summer heat.
Q: How do I keep birds away from my cherries?
A: Netting is the most effective protection. You can also try shiny tape, garden owls, and frequent picking to minimize losses.
Conclusion: Why Lapins Cherry Trees Belong in Every Garden
Lapins cherry trees offer a delightful blend of beauty, ease of care, and exceptional fruit for gardeners of all experience levels. Their self-pollinating nature, vigorous growth, and adaptability to pots or beds make them a smart choice for small urban yards or larger orchards. By following these planting and care guidelines, you’ll soon enjoy seasons filled with blossom displays, lush foliage, andâbest of allâdelectable homegrown cherries.
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