Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Prunus avium ‘Archduke’

A cultivar of Prunus avium L. ‘Larger than May Duke, obtuse heart-shaped, with a deeply-marked suture at the apex, diminishing towards the stalk, and very slightly pitted at the apex. Skin thin, pale red at first, but becoming dark red, and ultimately almost black. Stalk very slender, an inch and a half to two inches long. Flesh deep red, very tender and juicy, sweet, and briskly flavoured; but sugary when highly ripened. Middle and end of July. Tree somewhat pendulous when old. [Hogg – Fruit Manual p.48/1860].

Horticultural & Botanical History

A vigorous tree, erect and open in shape. A late-mid season to late cherry. [Grubb].

‘The Arch Duke is a much more vigorous grower than the May Duke, with longer diverging branches, and larger leaves. It is equally hardy as an open standard, and may be planted to advantage among Morellos on a north wall.’ [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.142/1831]. Probably an old variety, I have no information on its origins.

Figured in Pomona Franconica as ‘Griotte de Portugal’ [Pomona Franconica vol.2, Cherries t.27/1801].

History at Camden Park

Listed only in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [Cherry no.8/1850].

Notes

Published Apr 22, 2010 - 05:22 PM | Last updated Jul 23, 2011 - 04:45 PM

Shown is a fruiting shoot with leaves and 4 large, round, red cherries + sectioned cherry. Pomona Franconica vol.2, t.27, 1801.

Prunus avium ‘Archduke’ | Pomona Franconica vol.2, Cherries t.27/1801 | Pomologische Bibliothek

 

Family Rosaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, unknown

Synonyms
  • Griotte de Portugal
  • Cerise Ambrée
  • St. Margaret (Australia)
  • Republican (Australia)

 

Common Name

Dessert Cherry

Name in the Camden Park Record

Archduke

Confidence level high