The Lapins cherry (Prunus avium 'Lapins') is a popular sweet cherry variety known for its large, juicy fruit, excellent flavor, and self-fertility, making it an ideal choice for home orchards and commercial growers alike.

🌳 Lapins Cherry Plant Description
General

Botanical Name: Prunus avium 'Lapins'

Common Name: Lapins cherry, sometimes called self-fertile Bing

Type: Deciduous fruit tree

Mature Size: 15–20 feet tall and wide (can be smaller on dwarf rootstock)

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

USDA Zones: 5–9

Chill Hours: Around 400–500

Fruit

Type: Sweet cherry

Color: Deep red to dark burgundy when ripe

Size: Large

Flavor: Very sweet and rich; similar to Bing but with better crack resistance

Ripening Time: Mid to late season (typically late June to early July, depending on climate)

Use: Fresh eating, desserts, jams, canning

Pollination

Self-fertile: Yes (does not require a second tree for pollination)

Can also help pollinate other cherry varieties

Flowers

Bloom Time: Mid-spring

Flower Color: White

Attracts: Bees and other pollinators

Care

Sun Requirements: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours per day)

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Water: Regular watering, especially during fruiting

Pruning: Annual pruning recommended to maintain shape and promote air circulation

Pests/Disease

Resistant to: Cracking (compared to Bing), moderately disease resistant

Watch for: Cherry fruit fly, aphids, bacterial canker, and brown rot

Lapins is an excellent all-around cherry tree, prized for its productivity, flavor, and ease of maintenance. It’s often recommended for those who want a reliable cherry tree without needing multiple varieties for cross-pollination.