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Romeo Cherry Tree

$19995
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Risk-Free 1 Year Warranty
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Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Romeo Cherry Tree

Planting Instructions for Romeo Cherry Tree

  1. Choosing the Right Location: Plant your Romeo cherry tree in full sun, ideally at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light a day, with good air circulation to help prevent disease. It thrives in USDA zones 2 through 7 and survives temperatures down to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a compact dwarf, about 6 to 8 feet tall and 5 to 7 feet wide.
  2. Soil Preparation: Choose well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Loosen the soil over a wide area and mix in compost if it is heavy or poor. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain, since cherries do not tolerate soggy roots.
  3. Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the tree at the same depth it grew in the container. Backfill with native soil and firm gently. Leave enough room around each tree for its 5 to 7 feet spread so air can move freely and harvesting stays easy.
  4. Mulching and First Watering: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil, then mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

Care Instructions

  1. Watering: Water regularly for the first few years to build strong roots, giving a deep soaking rather than frequent light sprinkles. Mature trees are relatively drought tolerant, but steady moisture while fruit is ripening improves size and flavor.
  2. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage strong growth, following the label rate for the tree's size. Avoid feeding late in summer, which can push tender growth before winter.
  3. Pest and Disease Monitoring: This cherry resists common cherry diseases, but check regularly for aphids, cherry fruit fly and leaf spot. Rake up fallen leaves and fruit, keep the canopy open for airflow, and treat pests early if they appear.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed because of its natural dwarf habit. Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant, removing dead, damaged, weak or crossing branches to improve airflow through the canopy. Clean, sharp pruners make the best cuts.
  2. Winter Care: Bred for northern climates, it needs little winter protection. For young trees, keep a layer of mulch in place and use a trunk guard where rabbits or rodents may chew the bark.
  3. Growing in Containers: Its compact size suits a large patio container with drainage holes. Use quality potting mix, water more often than in-ground trees, and move the pot to a sheltered spot in the coldest weather to protect the roots.

Additional Tips for Growing Romeo Cherry Tree

  1. Pollination: Romeo is self-pollinating and will produce fruit without another tree. Planting another cold-hardy cherry nearby, such as Juliet or Carmine Jewel, can still boost fruit set, but a single tree is enough for a home harvest. Romeo was developed through the University of Saskatchewan's breeding program.
  2. Years to Fruit and Harvest: Expect first fruit within about 2 to 3 years after planting, with a mature tree producing up to 25 pounds of cherries per season. Cherries ripen in mid-to-late summer; pick them when they turn deep red to almost black for the sweetest flavor. Fresh cherries last about a week in the refrigerator and can also be frozen, dried or made into preserves.
  3. Protecting the Crop: Birds love ripe cherries. Cover the tree with bird netting as the fruit colors up to protect your harvest. The compact size makes netting easy to install and keeps picking within reach without ladders.
  4. Shipping Note: Romeo cherry trees cannot be shipped to AZ, OR, CA, ID or WA because of shipping restrictions. They ship to other states in a 3 gallon container.
What Customers say about the Romeo Cherry Tree:

The Romeo Cherry Tree thrives in Zones 2-7

Growing Zones for the Romeo Cherry Tree

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Romeo Cherry Tree.

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 2-7
Mature Height 6-8 ft.
Mature Width 5-7 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR, CA, ID, WA
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Prunus x kerrasis Romeo

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Beware- not all Romeo Cherry Trees are the same.

Be sure to get superior fruit trees, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" fruit trees to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Romeo Cherry Trees in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that is ready to grow and produce!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall fruit trees in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" tree, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy tree.

The Romeo Cherry is a compact, cold-hardy dwarf cherry that packs big harvests of dark, sweet-tart fruit.

  • Bold sweet-tart flavor: deep red to almost black cherries for fresh eating, pies and jams
  • Extremely cold hardy in zones 2-7, surviving temperatures down to -40°F
  • Self-fertile- plant it near Juliet for an even bigger harvest
  • Compact and productive: 6-8 ft. tall, and mature trees yield up to 25 lbs. of cherries

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure plants including the pot and roots, so the plant you receive is much smaller than you expected. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!

You Want Romeo Cherry Trees Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship thin, underdeveloped fruit trees grown in tiny pots to save money. These weak, "root bound" trees can spend years recovering before they give you a real harvest.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Romeo Cherry Trees, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed roots. A strong start helps your tree settle in quickly and begin bearing fruit, often around 2-3 years after planting.

Read more about the Romeo Cherry Tree

Romeo Cherry Tree – A Compact Powerhouse of Sweet-Tart Flavor

The Romeo Cherry Tree is the perfect fruit tree for small spaces, offering an abundance of dark, juicy cherries with a perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor. This cold-hardy dwarf cherry tree produces high yields of antioxidant-rich fruit while requiring minimal maintenance. Whether you’re growing fruit for fresh eating, baking, or making homemade preserves, Romeo is a reliable and rewarding addition to any home orchard.

Why Choose the Romeo Cherry Tree?

  • Compact Size: Reaches only 6-8 feet tall, making it ideal for small gardens, patios, and urban spaces.
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in colder climates, surviving temperatures as low as -40°F.
  • High-Yielding: Produces up to 25 pounds of cherries per tree.
  • Incredible Flavor: Deep red to almost black cherries with a perfect blend of sweetness and acidity.
  • Self-Pollinating: Does not require another tree for fruit production but benefits from cross-pollination.
  • Low Maintenance: Resistant to common cherry diseases and easy to care for.

A Cherry Tree Designed for Home Growers

Unlike traditional sweet cherry trees that need large spaces and milder winters, Romeo Cherry thrives in small gardens and tough climates. With its naturally dwarf growth habit, it’s a perfect fit for urban and suburban settings, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homegrown cherries without needing a large orchard. The tree’s upright and manageable structure makes it ideal for easy pruning and harvesting.

Cold-Hardy & Tough for Northern Growers

Romeo is a variety of Prunus cerasus, commonly known as the Sour Cherry, but it stands out with its higher natural sugar content compared to other tart cherries. It was developed as part of the University of Saskatchewan’s breeding program to create ultra-hardy fruit trees. This means Romeo can withstand extreme cold down to -40°F and still produce large crops of delicious cherries. If you’ve struggled with growing cherry trees due to harsh winters, this variety will thrive where others fail.

Rich, Dark Cherries Packed with Flavor & Nutrition

Romeo cherries are deep crimson, almost black when fully ripe, making them visually stunning and packed with antioxidants. The flavor is bold yet smooth, making it an excellent choice for fresh eating, pies, jams, and even homemade cherry wine. Unlike many tart cherry varieties, Romeo’s higher sugar content means you can enjoy them fresh without needing excessive sweetening.

Self-Pollinating & Even More Fruit with a Partner

While the Romeo Cherry Tree is self-fertile, planting it alongside another cold-hardy cherry variety like Juliet Cherryor Carmine Jewel can increase your harvest significantly. Cross-pollination encourages larger fruit sets and even more cherries per season. However, if space is limited, a single Romeo tree will still provide plenty of delicious fruit on its own.

How to Grow & Care for Your Romeo Cherry Tree

Sun & Soil Requirements

  • Sun Exposure: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily).
  • Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
  • Watering Needs: Moderate—water regularly in the first year to establish roots.

Planting Tips

  • Choose a sunny location with good air circulation to prevent disease.
  • Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
  • Water deeply after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Pruning & Maintenance

  • Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak branches.
  • Minimal pruning is required due to its natural dwarf growth habit.
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage strong growth.

Harvesting & Storage

  • Cherries ripen mid-to-late summer, depending on your climate.
  • Pick when fully dark red or nearly black for peak sweetness.
  • Fresh cherries last about a week in the fridge, but they can be frozen, dried, or turned into preserves for long-term storage.

Perfect for Fresh Eating & Homemade Goodies

Romeo cherries are delicious straight off the tree but are also highly prized for their culinary versatility. You can use them to make:

  • Classic Cherry Pies & Tarts – Their rich flavor shines in baked goods.
  • Homemade Jams & Jellies – Perfect for spreading on toast or gifting to friends.
  • Fresh or Frozen Smoothies – Add a boost of antioxidants to your diet.
  • Cherry Wine & Liqueurs – Create unique homemade beverages.
  • Dried Cherries for Snacks – Dehydrate for a healthy, long-lasting treat.

Is the Romeo Cherry Tree Right for You?

If you’re looking for a compact, cold-hardy, and high-yielding cherry tree, Romeo is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for:

  • Homeowners with small gardens or patio spaces
  • Northern growers who need a tree that thrives in extreme cold
  • Gardeners who want a low-maintenance fruit tree
  • Anyone who loves fresh cherries for eating, baking, or preserving

With its delicious fruit, cold tolerance, and easy-care nature, the Romeo Cherry Tree is one of the best fruit trees you can add to your landscape. Enjoy the rewards of homegrown cherries without the hassle of large, high-maintenance trees.

Order Your Romeo Cherry Tree Today!

Start growing your own delicious, antioxidant-rich cherries right in your backyard. Whether you want a fresh snack, homemade desserts, or a tree that thrives in tough conditions, Romeo Cherry delivers. Order yours now and enjoy fresh cherries from your very own tree!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Romeo Cherry Tree

How tall does a Romeo cherry tree get?

A Romeo cherry tree is a compact dwarf that grows about 6 to 8 feet tall and 5 to 7 feet wide. Its naturally small, upright structure makes it ideal for small gardens, patios, and urban yards, and it keeps the harvest within easy reach.

Is Romeo cherry self-pollinating?

Yes, the Romeo cherry is self-fertile and will produce fruit without another tree. Planting it alongside another cold-hardy cherry, like Juliet or Carmine Jewel, encourages larger fruit sets and can increase your harvest significantly. A single tree still gives a generous harvest in a small yard.

How cold hardy is the Romeo cherry tree?

The Romeo cherry tree grows in USDA zones 2 through 7 and survives temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It was developed through the University of Saskatchewan's breeding program to thrive where traditional sweet cherries fail. It is a top pick for northern gardens.

When do Romeo cherries ripen?

Romeo cherries ripen in mid-to-late summer, depending on your climate. Pick them when they are fully dark red or nearly black for peak sweetness. Fresh cherries last about a week in the refrigerator and can also be frozen, dried, or made into preserves.

What do Romeo cherries taste like?

Romeo cherries have a bold, balanced sweet-tart flavor with higher natural sugar than most tart cherries. The deep crimson to almost black fruit is delicious fresh and also excellent in pies, jams, smoothies, dried snacks, and homemade cherry wine. It is a favorite for home bakers.

How many cherries does a Romeo cherry tree produce?

A mature Romeo cherry tree can produce up to 25 pounds of cherries per season. Young trees start with smaller crops. Planting in full sun with good air circulation and watering regularly in the first year helps the tree grow into a heavy producer.

How long until a Romeo cherry tree produces fruit?

A Romeo cherry tree typically starts bearing within about 2 to 3 years of planting, with harvests increasing each year as it matures. A well-rooted 3 gallon tree, full sun, and an early spring feeding help it get established and fruiting sooner.

How do I plant a Romeo cherry tree?

Plant a Romeo cherry tree in a sunny spot with good air circulation. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the tree at the same depth it grew in the container. Water deeply after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

How do I prune a Romeo cherry tree?

Prune a Romeo cherry tree in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak branches. Minimal pruning is needed because of its natural dwarf habit. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, and use bird netting as fruit colors to protect your crop.

Can Romeo cherry trees ship to my state?

Romeo cherry trees have shipping restrictions for AZ, OR, CA, ID, and WA, so they cannot be shipped to those states. They can be shipped to other states. Nationwide Plants ships the Romeo cherry in a 3 gallon container. It arrives ready to plant.
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