SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry
Prunus x 'P002S' (PP25,767)
SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry (Prunus x 'P002S' (PP25,767)) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 8–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Plant Select® variety; suckers less than Canada Red.
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Yoshihiro Tokue, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: no rights reserved
- Photo 4: (c) k yamada, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 8–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~10 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers (peachtree and lesser borer)
- Black knot (galls on twigs)
- Aphids and leaf curl
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry get?
- It matures to about 8–15 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide.
- How much room does SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry need?
- Give SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry about 10 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry grow into?
- SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry hardy on the Front Range?
- SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry grow?
- SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry live?
- SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry safe for dogs?
- No. SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry deer-resistant?
- No. SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- SUCKER PUNCH® Chokecherry can be affected by borers (peachtree and lesser borer) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
