Column cherry trees are a total game-changer for anyone who loves fresh fruit but doesn’t have a massive backyard. These varieties are known for their super-slim, upright growth, making them a perfect fit for small gardens, balconies, or patios. Just a heads-up, though: they don’t stay that sleek on their own! To keep that signature pillar shape, you’ll need to give them a little haircut every now and then.
Top Columnar Cherry Varieties to Try
While there are several slim-growing cherry varieties out there, these three are my personal favorites:
- “Giorgia,”
- “Schneiders Späte” (Schneider’s Late), and
- “Karina.”
The “Giorgia” Variety
With the “Giorgia,” you’ll want to start your pruning routine right from day one. A lot of people make the mistake of letting young trees grow wild for a few years before trimming, but this variety needs shaping early on. It’s a medium-grower with fairly thick branches and usually tops out at around 8.5 feet.
The payoff? Gorgeous dark red, firm, and glossy cherries that are incredibly juicy and sweet. “Giorgia” is a tough cookie, too—it’s more resistant to fruit flies than many other types and is generally low-maintenance, aside from that regular pruning I mentioned.
The “Schneiders Späte” Variety
If you give “Schneiders Späte” the right spot in the sun, it’ll reward you with a massive harvest. These cherries are juicy, shiny, and have a nice, firm bite. The tree itself grows at a moderate pace with thick shoots and reaches a height of about 8 feet.
One of the best things about “Schneiders Späte” is its versatility. It does great in a garden bed, but you can also grow it in a large pot. This makes it a fantastic choice for a balcony or terrace—who says you need a giant orchard to snack on sweet cherries? As the name suggests, this is a late-season variety, so expect to do your picking between mid-July and early August.
The “Karina” Variety
“Karina” is another variety that’s just as happy in a container as it is in the ground. It’s a medium-strength grower with sturdy branches, reaching a maximum height of about 7.5 feet.
The fruit is a real showstopper: the cherries are extra-large and so dark they’re almost black, with a delicious sweet-tart flavor. Pro tip: if you plant other sweet cherry varieties nearby, your “Karina” will produce an even bigger crop!
