Culture
Best grown in moist, moderately fertile, well-drained loams in full sun. Tolerates light shade, but best flowering is in full sun. Prune after flowering if necessary but generally requires little pruning.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Prunus is a genus of about 200 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs found in north temperate areas, the Andes of South America and in mountainous areas of Southeast Asia. Some are grown for their showy flowers, colorful foliage and/or attractive bark; and others for fruit, which includes cherry, plum, apricot, nectarine and peach.
Genus name from Latin means plum or cherry tree.
'Joel' is a hybrid bush cherry selection that features medium sized, mid-season ripening, bright red, tart cherries. Mature plants will reach 4-5' tall with a similar spread. This cultivar resulted from a cross between Prunus jacquemontii and P. japonica. Showy, pale pink spring blooms and good fall color. Self-fertile, but will produce higher yields with another compatible bush cherry such as 'Joy' nearby.
Problems
Susceptible to a large number of insect and disease pests. Potential diseases include leaf spot, die back, leaf curl, powdery mildew, root rot and fireblight. Potential insects include aphids, scale, borers, leafhoppers, caterpillars, tent caterpillars and Japanese beetles. Spider mites may also be troublesome.
'Joel' offers resistance to cherry worms, cankers, mildews, and brown rot.
Uses
Fruit tree for vegetable gardens, small scale fruit gardens, city gardens, bird gardens, edible landscaping.