Description
Lapins came out of the breeding program at Summerland in British Columbia and it solved the problem that defines this crop: almost every sweet cherry needs a compatible second tree, and most gardens have room for one. Lapins sets a full crop on its own.
The fruit is large, firm and dark red with good flavor, and it resists rain cracking better than most, which matters in any climate where June brings showers. The tree is vigorous, upright and spurry, and it ripens late, after Bing has finished.
Overview
- Self-fertile; one tree is all you need.
- Large, firm, dark red fruit, late in the season.
- Good resistance to rain cracking.
- Vigorous and upright, with a lower chill requirement than most.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Prunus avium ‘Lapins’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; deep, well-drained soil
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zone 5
Chill Requirement: About 400 to 600 hours
Rootstock: Mazzard F 12-1
Bearing Age: 2 to 3 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 12 to 16 ft tall and wide, easily maintained smaller with pruning
Ripening Time: Late season; July into August
Pollination: Self-fertile; one tree sets a full crop without a partner
Pests & Diseases: Bacterial canker, brown rot and cherry fruit fly; summer pruning and airflow handle most of it
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: If you have room for exactly one cherry tree, this is the one. Everything else in the crop asks for a partner.
- Regional Insight: Cherries want a real winter and a dry spell at ripening; where June rain is common, airflow and a crack-resistant variety matter most.
- Explore more cherry trees in our collection: Cherry Trees
