Description
Royal Ann is the principal variety grown for processing into maraschino cherries, and it is a fine fresh cherry in its own right: large, light yellow with a red blush, firm and juicy, with a delicate honey-like flavor. In some states it is sold as Napoleon; it is the same cultivar.
The partner matters. Royal Ann, Bing and Lambert are cross-incompatible and cannot pollinate each other. Van is an excellent pollinizer for it and their bloom periods line up well, and Black Tartarian and Stella also work. The tree is susceptible to bacterial canker, so prune in summer and give it a site with air movement.
Overview
- Large, light yellow fruit with a red blush.
- Delicate, honey-like sweetness; the maraschino cherry.
- Sold in some states as Napoleon, the same cultivar.
- Must NOT be paired with Bing or Lambert.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Prunus avium ‘Royal Ann’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; deep, well-drained soil
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zone 5
Chill Requirement: About 700 to 800 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: Mid season; June into July
Pollination: Needs a second sweet cherry; Van, Black Tartarian and Stella work, but NOT Bing or Lambert
Pests & Diseases: Bacterial canker, brown rot and cherry fruit fly; summer pruning and airflow handle most of it
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: If a listing offers you Royal Ann and Napoleon as two varieties, it is offering you the same tree twice. Van is the partner to plant.
- 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
