Prunus avium ‘St. Margarets’

A cultivar of Prunus avium L. ‘Of the largest size, obtuse heart-shaped, indented and uneven on its surface, and considerably flattened next the stalk; on one side marked with the suture. Skin at first dark red, but changing when fully ripe to dark blackish-purple. Stalk slender, an inch and a half to an inch and three quarters long. Flesh dark purple, adhering firmly to the stone, firm, sweet, and briskly sub-acid. End of July and beginning of August.’ [Hogg – Fruit Manual p.63/1860].

Horticultural & Botanical History

A fairly vigorous tree becoming wide spreading and drooping. At its best a good quality late mid-season to late cherry which can sometimes crack badly. [Grubb].

I have found no information on the origins of this cherry but probably a very old variety. It is probably the cherry figured in Pomona Franconica as ‘Grosse Guine Noire’ [Pomona Franconica vol.2, cherries t.8/1801].

 

History at Camden Park

Listed in an Addendum to the 1857 catalogue only [Cherry no.20/1857].

Notes

Published Apr 22, 2010 - 08:56 PM | Last updated Jul 23, 2011 - 04:21 PM

Shown is a fruiting shoot with leaves, 4 large, heart-shaped, red cherries + a section. Pomona Franconica vol.2, t.8, 1801.

Prunus avium ‘St. Margarets’ | Pomona Franconica vol.2, cherries t.8/1801 | Pomologische Bibliothek

 

More details about Prunus avium ‘St. Margarets’
Family Rosaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, unknown
Synonyms
  • Noble
  • Tradescant’s Heart
  • Elkhorn
  • Large Black Bigarreau
  • Bigarreau Gros noir
  • Guigne Noire Tardive

 
Common Name

Dessert Cherry
Name in the Camden Park Record

St. Margarets
Confidence level high