Lyubskaya dwarf sour cherry plant

Dwarf Lyubskaya sour cherry plants A weak-growing, bush-like tree that rarely exceeds 2.5 m. The crown is sparse, spreading, rounded and often drooping. Grey-brown bark has distinct cracks; young branches are brown with a slight silvery bloom. Fruit forms on one-year-old branches growing at about 45° to the trunk. Buds are rounded with small conical tips. Leaves are matt, thick and dark green, with yellow-brown veins, toothed edges and pointed tips. Mature leaves are oval, 8.7 × 5 cm. Clusters 3–4 cm across contain 3–4 small white flowers with rounded, slightly crinkled petals. Flowering lasts 7–9 days, depending on climate. Fruit grows singly or in clusters of 2–4 on long thin stalks and weighs 4–5 g. The sour, rather ordinary flavour is best suited to desserts, preserves, compote, homemade wine and freezing. Fruit keeps and transports well. Ripening is medium-late: mid-July in the south, late July–early August in the north. Fruiting starts at 2–3 years, with full production at 8–10 years. Well-cared-for mature trees can produce over 35 kg annually, with a stated maximum of 54 kg. Cropping is annual, and flower buds are described as tolerating cold, rainy springs. High self-fertility means no separate pollinator is required. Late flowering reduces spring frost risk. Ripe fruit remains on the branches without dropping, and the compact tree can be tended and harvested without a ladder. Drawbacks: better suited to temperate and southern areas than severe northern climates; lifespan is 15–17 years, with 5–7 years of full cropping. Wood can suffer frost damage, and trunk and branch bark may scorch in summer heat. Susceptible to cherry leaf spot and brown rot.