Buy Now, Plant Later! Spring Reservations Are Open

Free Shipping On Orders Over $199

Reserve Your Spring Garden Now

Growing Zone: | Garden in
Find your Growing Zone!

Schubert Chokecherry Tree

Prunus virginiana 'Schubert'

Regular price $7217
In Stock

Unfortunately, this item cannot be shipped to your state.

Shipping to a different address?

Shipping to your area may be delayed due to weather conditions.

Shipping to a different address?

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone
Plant Size

Plant Sentry™

Plant Sentry Protected

Plant Sentry™ Protected

Your order is protected by our compliance system that:

  • Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
  • Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
  • Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases

Learn more about Plant Sentry™

Delivery and Shipping

Delivery and Shipping

Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Flowering, Thornless, and Attracts pollinators

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Prunus virginiana 'Schubert'
  • Height
    20-30 ft
  • Width
    15-20 ft
  • Growing Zones
    2-7
  • Sunlight
    • Full sun
    • Partial shade
  • Growth Rate
    Moderate
  • Flower Color
    • White
  • Leaf Color
    • Green
    • Purple
  • Fall Color
    Purple
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Bloom Period
    Early Spring, Late Spring
  • Does Not Ship To
    AK, HI, ID, MT, OR

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Full sun is essential for this tree. Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight to ensure the foliage transforms from green to that signature deep purple and stays vibrant.
  • Soil: These trees thrive in well-drained soil but are quite adaptable to different textures. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost at planting to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to root issues.

Watering Requirements

For the first two growing seasons, water your Schubert Chokecherry deeply twice a week to help the root system expand. Once established, it is remarkably drought tolerant, though a consistent deep soak during the heat of July will prevent the leaves from drooping or scorching. Inconsistent watering often leads to smaller fruit clusters and can make the tree more susceptible to environmental stress.

Pruning Tips

Prune your tree in late winter while it is still dormant to avoid "bleeding" sap and to prevent the spread of disease. This tree blooms on old wood, so light thinning after the spring flowering is fine, but heavy structural pruning should be done in winter to keep the canopy open for airflow. Think of it like a haircut that removes the "split ends" or crossing branches to prevent the centers from becoming a tangled mess.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in late summer, as this encourages soft, new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late-season growth is easily damaged by winter temperatures and can invite pests like aphids.

Boost your garden wildlife with the dramatic Schubert Chokecherry Tree (Prunus virginiana 'Schubert'), a hardy deciduous tree with a flair for color and wildlife appeal. Each spring, it bursts into clusters of fragrant white flowers, followed by small purple-black cherries that birds can't resist. Its foliage emerges green, then matures into deep wine-purple, creating a bold color contrast that lasts through summer. With a lifespan of up to 40 years, this is a tree that truly makes its mark!

The Schubert Chokecherry isn't just ornamental - it's practical too! The upright, rounded crown gives it a strong presence in the landscape, while its fruits can be used in jellies and wines if you can harvest before the birds. In autumn, foliage shifts to reddish-bronze hues. Its fast growth habit and adaptability make it a top pick for Northern gardens.

Native across much of North America, this member of the Rose family (Rosaceae) has been treasured for centuries. Historically, Chokecherries were used by Indigenous peoples for food and medicine, and they remain a staple for wildlife gardeners. Relatives include other fruiting trees like Plums, Cherries, and even Apples, making it a natural fit in an edible landscape or ornamental garden.

>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions

Key Features

This fast-growing beauty thrives in USDA planting zones 2 to 7, reaching 20-30 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide.

  • Deciduous tree with a 40-year lifespan
  • Green foliage turns rich purple in summer
  • White fragrant spring flowers
  • Purple-black edible cherries loved by birds
  • Grows 20-30 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide

Landscaping Uses

The Schubert Chokecherry Tree makes a bold statement in the garden with its unique purple foliage and wildlife benefits.

  • Small shade tree for yards or patios
  • Great as a specimen or focal point tree
  • Wildlife-friendly planting for birds and pollinators
  • Edible landscape use for jellies and wine
  • Attractive screen or windbreak when planted in groupings

Care & Maintenance

The Schubert Chokecherry thrives in USDA zones 2 to 7. This deciduous tree is both ornamental and practical, providing fragrance, food, and shade. It's a tough, cold-hardy tree that adapts well to many soils.

  • Planting Time: Best in spring or fall
  • Sun Requirements: Full sun for richest foliage color
  • Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil but tolerates clay and sandy soils
  • Moisture Needs: Moderate - use the Finger Test and water regularly the first year
  • Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of bark mulch like this around the base
  • Fertilization Needs: Balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring; compost is beneficial
  • Pruning Info: Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove suckers - flowers bloom on new wood
  • Special Perks: Cold-hardy, fast-growing, tolerant of urban pollution, attracts pollinators and birds, and deer-resistant

Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong mycorrhizal root support

A Chokecherry Worth Cheering For

With its purple summer leaves, fragrant flowers, and wildlife-friendly fruit, the Schubert Chokecherry Tree brings multi-season drama and long-lasting value. Add one to your landscape and enjoy decades of color, fragrance, and feathered visitors. Order your Schubert Chokecherry Tree today from Nature Hills and let it grow into a bold highlight of your garden!

Find Your Garden's Growing Zone!

Your Current Growing Zone:

Zone

ZIP Code:

✓ Growing Zone Set Successfully!

Your zone has been saved and will be used throughout the site.

⚠ Unable to locate a growing zone for that ZIP code.

Please check your ZIP code and try again.

Looking up your growing zone...

When ordering a tree or plant, make sure to know your planting zone.

You can determine your garden's USDA hardiness zone by entering your Zip Code below.