Bailey’s Select Schubert Chokecherry

Baileys Select Schubert Chokecherry Care Guide

Overview & Key Traits

• This cultivar is a selection of Prunus virginiana (wild chokecherry) with improved ornamental traits.

• Height & Spread: It can reach 2530 ft tall with a spread of ~20 ft (or in some sources somewhat less) under favorable conditions.

• Growth Rate: Fast up to 1520 in ( 3850 cm) per year in good conditions.

• Hardiness Zone: Very cold-hardy rated to Zone 2 in some catalogs.

• Foliage & Color:
  New foliage emerges green, then matures to red-purple or burgundy tones in summer.
  In fall, foliage can take on brick-red or deeper red tones.

• Flowers & Fruit:
  Clusters of white, fragrant flowers appear in late Mayearly June.
  Fruit ripens in mid to late August small black, astringent cherries (useful for jam, syrup, wine).
  The cultivar is self-fertile, though yields improve with a pollinator.

• Challenges:
  Prone to suckering (sending up shoots from roots).
  More susceptible to black knot disease regular pruning and vigilance needed.
  If planted in row style without maintenance, unpruned plants may form dense thickets.

Care & Maintenance

Planting & Site

• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for strong foliage color and flowering.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soils. Good drainage is critical to avoid root stress or disease.

• Spacing: Because of size and suckering tendency, allow ample spacing (at least ~20 ft between individuals) for mature form and maintenance.

• Planting Tips:
  Ensure the graft union (if any) is above soil line
  Backfill with native soil plus compost, avoid overly rich mixes that promote weak growth

Watering & Establishment

• In Early Years: Water regularly to help roots establish keep the root zone moist but not saturated

• Once Established: More drought-tolerant; water during prolonged dry spells to maintain vigor and fruit set

• Mulching: Apply 23 in of organic mulch around the base (keep mulch off the trunk) to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

Fertilizer

• In early spring, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer if soil is lean

• Avoid over-fertilization, especially with high nitrogen, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth susceptible to disease

Pruning

• Best Time: Late winter to early spring, while dormant

• What to Do:
  Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches
  Prune out any black knot-infected wood immediately (cut well into healthy wood)
  Remove suckers from the base to maintain clean trunk and prevent thicket formation
  Thin interior branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk

Pest & Disease Management

• Black Knot: A fungal disease that affects Prunus species prune and destroy all infected branches

• Other Pests: Aphids, scale, borers monitor and treat as needed

• Preventive Practices: Good air circulation, avoid overhead irrigation, remove fallen fruit and debris

Photo from calgaryplants.com