Monrovia has added an array of fruit trees, shrubs and vines to its edible collection. “In recent years, the consumer demand for edibles has exploded,” explains Nicholas Staddon, director of new plants.
Prunus avium ‘Lapins’ cherry tree is one of the new cultivars. Breeders at the Agriculture Canada Research Station in British Columbia crossed Van and Stella cherries and came up with Lapins, a self-pollinating variety that produces large crops of dark fruit almost 1 in. in diameter. The fruit resists splitting, and its texture is somewhat firmer than Bing.
Showy pinkish-white flowers appear mid-spring followed by a harvest from late June to early July. This 40 ft. tall by 15 ft. wide tree prefers full sun and is intolerant of deep freeze or intense heat. As with all sweet cherries, it requires a long chilling period. It is suited to zones 6 to 8.
For more information, visit Monrovia.
