Romeo is a compact, cold-hardy dwarf cherry variety developed at the University of Saskatchewan. It’s hardy to USDA Zone 2 and can tolerate extreme temperatures down to -50°F or even lower!

A Legacy of Cold-Hardy Cherry Breeding

The development of cold-climate-adapted cherries like Romeo began in the 1950s, led by Dr. Les Kerr (namesake of the Kerr apple crab) and other pioneering researchers. Their goal was to breed a cherry that could survive extreme cold while maintaining excellent flavor.

This was achieved by making controlled crosses between Prunus fruticosa (Mongolian cherry) and Prunus cerasus (European sour cherry), right in one of the coldest research environments in the world—at the University of Saskatchewan. Their work laid the foundation for today’s super-hardy, sweet-tart cherries.

Flavor, Appearance, and Sweetness

Romeo produces cherries that are much sweeter than your average tart cherry, thanks to careful selection for high brix (sugar content). While Juliet may be just slightly sweeter, Romeo still offers exceptional flavor.

The cherries are a deep, dark burgundy—reflecting the rich color of the finest European sour cherries used in the breeding process.

Planting & Pollination Guidelines

• Hardiness: USDA Zone 2 (and even approaching Zone 1 in some cases)

• Spacing: Plant trees 8–10 feet apart. Mature size is 6–8 feet tall

• Pollination: Partially self-fertile, but yields improve when planted with Juliet