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Schubert Red Chokecherry Tree
Schubert Red Chokecherry Tree
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Prunus virginiana ‘Schubert’
Schubert Canada Red Chokecherry –
The Schubert Canada Red Chokecherry is a striking ornamental tree admired for its dramatic foliage transformation, going from bright green in spring to deep reddish-purple by summer. In early spring, it also produces fragrant white flower clusters, followed by dark purple berries that attract birds and wildlife.
A hardy and adaptable choice, this native cultivar is perfect for urban landscapes, privacy screens, wildlife gardens, and cold-climate color displays, offering seasonal interest and excellent durability with minimal maintenance.
Schubert Canada Red Chokecherry Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Prunus virginiana ‘Schubert’ |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Canada Red Chokecherry, Schubert Chokecherry |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 20–30 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 15–20 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Moderate (1–2 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 30–50 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 2–7 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best color in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Tolerates loam, clay, or sandy soils; well-drained preferred |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| 🌸 Flower Color | Fragrant white clusters; bloom in spring |
| 🍒 Fruit Type | Small dark red to purple drupes; attracts birds |
| 🐝 Pollination | Self-pollinating; attracts bees and beneficial insects |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, oval to rounded canopy |
| ↔️ Spacing | 15–20 ft for borders, privacy rows, or specimen planting |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Ornamental borders, wildlife gardens, urban landscapes |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low to moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Provides early spring blooms for pollinators and native bees
🍒 Produces summer berries that support birds and wildlife
🌿 Offers dense seasonal color and shade for habitat and landscape use
🌱 Supports soil stabilization and low-input urban planting efforts
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🍂 Striking purple-red foliage from summer through fall | 🍒 Fruit drop may require cleanup in high-traffic areas |
| 🌸 Fragrant blooms with excellent pollinator appeal | ✂️ Occasional pruning needed to maintain shape |
| 🧬 Very cold-hardy and drought-tolerant | 🌳 Suckering habit may need control in formal landscapes |
| 🐦 High wildlife value for birds and native insects | 🪵 Susceptible to tent caterpillars in some regions |
| 🏡 Ideal for privacy screens, borders, or small shade trees | ❄️ Best performance in colder climates; less suited to southern zones |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water deeply before and after planting; maintain moderate moisture during establishment
🕳️ Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball; plant at soil level and backfill with amended soil if needed
🌾 Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to regulate temperature and retain soil moisture
💦 Water weekly the first season; reduce frequency after roots are established
✂️ Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and remove suckers
🧪 Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release tree fertilizer if necessary
The Schubert Canada Red Chokecherry is a bold, low-maintenance ornamental tree with dynamic foliage, fragrant flowers, and great wildlife value. Whether you're designing a cold-hardy hedge, enhancing pollinator pathways, or adding year-round color to your yard, this hardy native delivers beauty, biodiversity, and seasonal drama in one compact package.
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