Sour cherry breeding began in the 1940’s, to produce a cherry capable of withstanding harsher climates. Sour cherries were created from crossing sweet cherry with the Mongolian cherry, which does occur in nature. The sour cherry was then crossed again with a different Mongolian cherry, passing down the dwarfing habit common to them. The three distinct characteristics of a sour cherry are its cold hardiness, short stature, and good fruit quality. The University of Saskatchewan

“Royal Frost” (Betula sp.) birch gets the best traits from each of its parents. The beautiful white exfoliating bark from “Whitespire” birch and the deep purple leaves from “Crimson Frost” birch make this tree a wonderful accent piece that provides year-round interest. Hardy to Zone 3 in North America, Royal Frost requires medium to moist conditions and full sun to partial shade. It can grow to a height of 12m, with a 7m spread in an upright-pyramidal to upright-oval shape an