Morello is the most widely planted cultivar group of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus subsp. acida) in Central Europe. It is a late-ripening cherry with high yields.
It also gives its name to a group of varieties of the subspecies acida: the tarter, dark-juiced morello cherries. These include the varieties "Balaton", "Ostheim" and "Fanal". On the other hand, the morello cherry in the narrower sense consists of a mixture of forms that have a certain genetic diversity and from which some named clones have been selected, like "Scharö" and "Boscha".
Description
The tree is weak to medium-growing with thin shoots and a shrub-like growth habit.
It is (usually) self-fertile and therefore does not require a pollinator for fruit set, but can pollinate other late-flowering cherry varieties.
Site and soil
The tree is undemanding and also suitable for cool and cold locations, but is sensitive to heat and drought. It is susceptible to Monilinia tip blight. It prefers a semi-shady location.
Cultivation and use
The trees require heavy pruning. Strong aroma and acidity make morello a standard variety for processing.