Cires Lapins in ghiveci - Prunus avium 'Lapins' - coroana formata, H100 cm

Prunus avium 'Lapins' is a sweet cherry variety developed in Canada, at the Summerland research station in British Columbia, introduced in 1983. It is a hybrid resulting from the crossing of the 'Van' and 'Stella' varieties, known for its high-quality fruit, self-pollination, and good resistance to various conditions.

Physical characteristics

• Shape and size: A medium-vigour tree with a rounded and well-branched crown, reaching 4-6 meters in height at maturity, slightly more compact than other cherry varieties.
• Leaves: Oval, dark green, glossy leaves with slightly serrated edges, typical of the Prunus avium species.
• Flowers: Blooms in spring (April-May), with simple white flowers grouped in clusters, attractive to bees, although it does not depend on external pollinators.
• Fruit: The cherries are large (8-12 g), round, with a shiny dark red skin. The flesh is firm, juicy, deep red in color, with a crisp texture.

Growing conditions

• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Tolerates lighter soils but does not withstand excess moisture.
• Light: Requires full sun for optimal fruiting.
• Watering and fertilizing: Needs moderate watering, especially in the first years and during dry periods, and annual fertilization with a balanced fertilizer (NPK).

Resistance and sensitivities

• Resistance: Resistant to low temperatures and has good tolerance to fruit cracking caused by rain, compared to other varieties. Also shows decent resistance to brown rot.
• Sensitivities: Can be affected by diseases such as fire blight or pests like aphids and cherry worms, although it is considered more robust than average.

Fruit - details

• Taste: 'Lapins' cherries are sweet, with a rich and balanced flavor, slightly less tart than 'Van', making them ideal for fresh consumption. The fruit is of superior quality.
• Commercial value: Yes, 'Lapins' has excellent commercial value due to its taste, fruit size, attractive appearance, and the fact that it is self-pollinating, reducing the need for other trees in the orchard. It is popular on international markets.

Use and care

• Use: Perfect for fresh consumption, but also for processing (jams, compotes, cakes). The tree is decorative during flowering, making it suitable for small gardens as well.
• Care: Requires annual pruning (late winter or early spring) to maintain shape and stimulate production. Being self-pollinating, it does not require another variety nearby, making it ideal for limited spaces.
• Propagation: Done by grafting onto compatible rootstocks, such as wild Prunus avium or Gisela (for dwarf variants).