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.
'Carmine Jewel' is hardy in Zones 3-8.
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.
'Carmine Jewel' is a hybrid, dwarf cherry selection resulting from a cross between Prunus fruticosa and P. cerasus. Mature plants will reach 6-7' tall with an equal spread and will take on a compact, bushy habit. White flowers bloom in spring and are followed by full-sized, dark purple-red fruit. This cultivar is self-fertile, but may produce larger yields with another individual nearby. The fruits have dark red flesh and a balance of sweet and tart flavors. 'Carmine Jewel' is typically sold as own-root, meaning that it is not grafted onto a rootstock of a different plant.
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.
'Carmine Jewel' is resistant to many of the most common diseases and pests common to cherries.
Uses
A versatile specimen plant. Good choice for small spaces. Ensure enough space around each plant to make harvest easier.