*New Release* Cutie Pie is a dwarfing cherry bush reaching just 1.2 m (4 ft) in height and spread. Its dwarf form makes it ideal for borders or the food forest spreading lower shrub layer. Cutie Pie tends to sucker quite a bit, so it can fill in an area nicely, or might need a deeper border to contain it. Cutie Pie (zone 2) was noted by Dr. Bors to be possibly more hardy, perhaps due to its small size and could be worth trying in zone 1, we note an earlier leaf drop which is a good sign for hardiness. The bright red cherries, averaging about 4 g each, ripen in early to mid-August with a pleasantly sweet flavour: excellent for fresh eating, baking, or preserves. Despite its modest stature, Cutie Pie is known to be a reliable and productive shrub once established. Released in 2021 to mark the University of Saskatchewan breeding program’s 100th anniversary, Cutie Pie traces its roots to the work of Les Kerr, a dedicated Prairie breeder who began selecting hardy cherries in the 1940s. His early work laid the foundation for the hardy cherries we enjoy today. Chosen for its dwarf size, bright fruit, and balanced taste, Cutie Pie continues that legacy in a smaller package suited to modern gardens. Read our Sour Cherry Guide here. Hardiness Zone: 2 Height: 1.2 m (4 ft) Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft) Soil Preference: Well-drained Light Exposure: Full sun Pollination: Self-fertile (improved with cross-pollination) Latin Name: Prunus cerasus ‘Cutie Pie’
