Cherry Ulster Semidwarf

Ulstar Cherry

Prunus avium ‘Ulster’ (Ulster Sweet Cherry — Semidwarf on Dwarfing Rootstock)
‘Ulster’ is a classic sweet cherry cultivar developed at Cornell University in New York as a cross between ‘Schmidt’ and ‘Lambert’. It’s prized for its large, firm, dark red cherries with rich sweet flavor and superior crack resistance compared with some other sweet cherries. When grafted onto semidwarf/dwarfing rootstocks (e.g., Gisela or Krymsk), the tree stays manageable in size for home orchards and backyard fruit gardens.

Size:



Width: ~8–12 ft (semidwarf mature spread on dwarfing rootstock)



Height: ~8–12 ft (semidwarf mature height on dwarfing rootstock)



Zones: 5–7 (typical)

Light: Full sun (6+ hrs/day)

Soil: Moist, well-drained soils

Features:



Fruit: Large, sweet, dark red cherries with firm texture and good resistance to rain-cracking — similar in flavor profile to Bing but a bit darker and more crack-resistant.



Flowers: White spring blossoms that attract pollinators



Form: Upright, semidwarf fruit tree with balanced canopy and good structure



Excellent productivity and adaptability in cooler climates; performs well with consistent care.



Attracts:
Pollinators during bloom; birds to ripe fruit (netting recommended)

Uses:
Home orchards, edible landscapes, backyard fruit production

Notes:
• Ulster requires cross-pollination with another sweet cherry variety (such as Bing, Regina, Lapins, or similar) to set a good crop of cherries.
• On dwarfing rootstocks, the tree remains easier to prune, harvest, and manage in smaller spaces than standard sweet cherry trees. 

Plant type

Fruit Tree

Height

8-12'

Width

8-12'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Fruit

Shape

Broad Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No