If you must grow a cherry...
Prunus serotina, the native black cherry
Of all the fruit trees in the genus Prunus (peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, almonds, etc), cherries are the most difficult to grow. The domestic cherries are greatly prone to disease, and seldom flower or fruit. What is one to do if one really wants to grow cherries, save moving up into the mountains to an elevation below USDA zone 7?
Well, first of all, there are a few native species of cherries (or plums which are closely related), and they may not always be sweet, but you can make preserves of all of them. And since they are native, they have some natural relationships with the fauna in our region, being larval hosts for some hairstreak butterflies, and some gorgeous silk moths and sphinx moths. Included in this are Prunus serotina (the black cherry), Mexican plum (Prunus mexicana) and Prunus virginiana (choke cherry). In a shady location in the low desert these species will grow. Prunus emarginata (the bitter cherry) can probably also grow at our elevation with some love.
Prunus virginiana, the native choke cherry
These species will need very well-amended, well-drained, soil with very regular moisture and regular feeding. Roots MUST be in the shade, and the plant is best planted in a protected location that will guard it from the hot dry winds of the summer.
Prunus emarginata, the native bitter cherry
But for those wishing to get some of those delectable cherries of their childhood memories, you may be somewhat disappointed. White the fruits are edible on these species, they are best made into preserves than eaten fresh. The fruits are small, with more seed than flesh, and some are on the bitter side without sweetening.
Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana) is related to cherries, but the fruit is more plum-like.
However there are some entirely different plants called “cherries” from the neotropics that CAN be grown in Arizona with some frost protection that you may consider planting that yield fruits somewhat closer to your expectations than the plants in the actual Prunus genus.
Rio Grande Cherry
Eugenia involucrata
Cherries of the Rio Grande are easy to grow, requiring relatively little maintenance for the growth of healthy, productive plants. Fruit size and quality depends to a large extent on proper nourishment and an adequate water supply at the time of fruit development. This plant is in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae).
A shrub or small tree, plants get about 10-20’ tall, and up to 15’ wide. These self-fruiting trees bloom from late winter into summer, but benefit from having another individual around to ensure pollination. The cherry-flavored fruits occur about 3 weeks to a month after pollination.
Nectar-loving insects love the flowers and birds will share the fruits with you.
This species does very well in our region. Young plants may be damaged at about 25°F, but older plants can take a cold snap down to 15°F. To keep the plants happy, protect them from frosts, since they will survive them, but they won’t LOVE them. They can be container grown, or grown in the ground. Plant in well-amended, well-drained soil, with lots of mulch, and feed regularly with an organic, well-balanced fertilizer.
Barbados Cherry
Malpighia emarginata.
Barbados cherry is originally from Yucatán, and can be found in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, South America as far south as Peru, and the southeast region of Brazil, and in the southernmost parts of the contiguous United States (southern Florida and the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas).
This is usually an evergreen shrub or small tree with spreading branches on a short trunk, though it may go deciduous during drought. It is usually 6–10’ tall, but sometimes reaches 20’ in height. Blooming with pink (sometimes red) flowers occurs usually in response to rain. Self pollinating, its always a good idea to have another tree around to improve your chances of fruit. About a month after flowering, fruits will occur. The flavor of the fruit varies by plant and is described as apple-like and ranging from sweet to tart. The vitamin C content is up to 15 times higher than an orange.
Barbados cherry is a larval host for several butterflies and has nectar-rich flowers, and the fruits will be enjoyed by birds.
The biggest challenge with growing this species is not the heat, but the winter. Plants must be protected from all frosts, and will suffer damage at 32°F. Otherwise, plant in well-amended soil with good drainage, regular, even moisture, and mulch the roots. An eastern exposure with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. Consider planting this in a large container that you can move indoors during cold spells, or into a greenhouse.
There is a dwarf species sold as Malpighia punicifolia (though probably a subspecies of M. emarginata) that might be easier to manage for frost protection.
Jamaican Cherry
Muntingia calabura
In its native environment the evergreen Jamaican cherry can grow up to 40’ tall or more. But this will be a more contained species in our region owing to either container-growing, or containment in a protected environment. In our region, this species will bloom in all but the cold months, producing a few new flowers every day. Six to eight weeks later the fruits will develop. The fruits are red skinned with exceedingly sweet, brown pulp, flavored like cotton candy or caramel, filled with tiny, barely noticeable seeds.
The flowers attract bees; the fruit attracts birds, fruit bats and small mammals.
As with most tropical shrubs or trees, you will grow this in a protected location or mobile container. Temperatures below 28°F will damage established plants and young plants must be protected from all frosts. Regular water with well-amended, well-drained soil, and mulch the roots, and feed with an organic fertilizer regularly.