The deep burgundy foliage and sweet, dark cherries of a Royal Burgundy cherry tree make it one of the most sought-after ornamental fruit trees for home orchards. But finding a live specimen that arrives healthy and establishes properly requires knowing which sellers package roots correctly and which ship dead sticks.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent countless hours comparing supplier shipping practices, root protection methods, and owner-reported survival rates across dozens of cherry tree listings to build this guide.
After analyzing hundreds of verified purchase reports, I’ve narrowed the field to the top-rated options that give you the best chance of a thriving tree. This guide to the best royal burgundy cherry tree will help you avoid dead-on-arrival shipments and choose a specimen with real growing potential.
How To Choose The Best Royal Burgundy Cherry Tree
Royal Burgundy cherry trees combine the elegance of a flowering ornamental with the productivity of a fruit-bearing tree. The key to a successful purchase lies not in the brand name but in the tree’s physical state upon arrival and your local growing conditions.
Bare Root vs. Container Grown
Bare-root trees are dormant, leafless, and wrapped with moistened roots. They ship lighter and establish quickly if planted immediately. Container-grown trees arrive in soil with an established root ball, reducing transplant shock but increasing shipping weight and cost. For the Royal Burgundy variety, a container-grown specimen in a 1-gallon or larger pot gives you a visible head start on growth.
Root Condition and Packaging Quality
The single biggest predictor of a live arrival is how the seller protects the root system. Bare-root trees should arrive with damp wrapping and intact roots that haven’t dried out or snapped. Container trees should have soil that stays cohesive when removed from the pot. Avoid sellers with repeated complaints about dry, brittle, or broken roots in recent reviews.
USDA Hardiness Zone Match
Royal Burgundy cherry trees thrive in USDA Zones 5 through 8. Verify your zone before purchasing. If you live in a zone 4 or lower, the tree may not survive winter. If you live in a zone 9 or higher, the tree may not receive enough chill hours to produce fruit. Many sellers restrict shipping to certain states due to agricultural laws, so always check the product listing for state restrictions.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Plum Tree | Container Grown | Sweet-tart fruit in 5 gal pot | 2-3 ft height, 5 gal pot | $89.99Amazon |
| Cherry Flowering Tree (Okame) | Container Grown | Spring blossoms, ornamental form | 20 ft mature height, 5 gal | $89.99Amazon |
| Royal Purple Smoke Tree | Potted | Purple foliage, fast grower | 1 gal established pot | $53.95Amazon |
| Black Cherry Trees (2-Pack) | Bare Root | Two trees, sweet cherries | 1-1.5 ft bare-root dormant | $39.99Amazon |
| Black Cherry Seedlings (2-Pack) | Bare Root | Cold-hardy zones 3-6 | 1-1.5 ft bare-root dormant | $49.99Amazon |
| Black Diamond Crape Myrtle (1 gal) | Container Grown | Purple foliage, summer flowers | 12-18 in, 1 gal pot | $34.99Amazon |
| Black Diamond Crape Myrtle (3 gal) | Container Grown | Larger specimen, extended bloom | 3 gal pot, summer to fall bloom | $52.99Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Cherry Plum Tree, 2-3 ft, 5 gal. Grower Pot
$89.99as of Jun 28, 1:01 PMThis Cherry Plum tree arrives in a substantial 5-gallon grower pot at 2 to 3 feet tall, giving it a massive head start compared to bare-root sticks. The root system is fully established within the container, which dramatically reduces transplant shock and increases first-year survival odds. Buyers consistently report the tree arriving large, healthy, and well-packaged with intact soil structure.
The sweet-tart cherry-sized plums ripen early in the season, often before other stone fruit varieties begin producing. The tree thrives in USDA Zones 5 through 9 and reaches a mature size of 15 to 20 feet tall with an equal spread.
The one catch is that Simpson Nursery restricts shipping to several states due to agricultural regulations, so verify your location before ordering. The tree requires full sun and well-drained fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal fruit production. Annual pruning and regular watering during the growing season keep this tree producing reliably.
What works
- Large 5-gallon container with established root ball reduces transplant risk.
- Early-ripening sweet-tart fruit prized for fresh eating and preserves.
- Buyers consistently report healthy, full trees arriving in excellent condition.
What doesn’t
- Cannot ship to CA, AZ, AK, or HI due to agricultural restrictions.
- Requires annual pruning and consistent watering during first two seasons.
2. Cherry Flowering Tree (Okame), 5 gal.
$89.99as of Jun 28, 1:20 PMThis Okame flowering cherry tree arrives in a 5-gallon pot with a mature height potential of 20 feet, making it a centerpiece ornamental for any landscape. Buyers frequently note the tree arrives well-packaged with healthy branching and minimal damage during transit. The spring blossom display produces vivid pink flowers that cover the canopy before the leaves emerge.
The tree is rated for USDA Zones 5 through 8 and adapts well to various garden settings as a standalone specimen. Customer reviews mention that the tree handled drought conditions well after establishment and showed strong resilience during the first growing season. Some buyers noted minor leaf issues like insect holes or shot-hole disease, but these are common and rarely threaten the tree’s overall health.
One important detail is that the root flare may sit too deep in the shipping pot, so you should check and correct this during transplant. Regular watering and a late-winter pruning routine will shape the canopy and encourage more vigorous flowering each spring. This tree is a strong choice if ornamental value is your primary goal over fruit production.
What works
- Large 5-gallon container with healthy, well-branched structure upon arrival.
- Stunning pink spring blossoms with reliable annual display.
- Drought-tolerant once established, based on buyer field reports.
What doesn’t
- Not a fruit-producing tree; purely ornamental flowering type.
- Some arrivals show minor leaf damage from insects or disease.
3. Royal Purple Smoke Tree, 1 Gallon
$53.95as of Jun 28, 1:14 PMThe Royal Purple Smoke Tree from TriStar Plants arrives as an established 1-gallon potted specimen with deep purple foliage that provides dramatic garden contrast from spring through fall. It reaches a mature height of 15 feet with a 12-foot spread, making it a fast-growing accent tree for borders or standalone placement. The spring blooms add a smoky, airy texture that gives this tree its common name.
Hardy in Zones 4 through 8, this tree tolerates colder winters than many purple-foliage ornamentals. Customer reviews are mixed on shipping condition — some buyers report the tree arrived larger than expected with great branching, while others received dry or damaged plants. The seller has a replacement policy, but the inconsistency in packaging is a risk factor to consider.
Once established, the tree requires moderate watering and full to partial sun exposure. The air-purification feature listed in the specs is more of a marketing claim than a practical benefit, but the visual impact of the purple leaves is undeniable. If you can accept the packaging variability, this tree offers premium foliage color at a mid-range price point.
What works
- Deep purple foliage provides season-long ornamental interest.
- Fast grower reaching 15 ft in ideal conditions.
- Cold-hardy down to Zone 4, wider adaptability than many purple trees.
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent packaging leads to some DOA or damaged arrivals.
- Not a fruit-producing cherry tree; purely ornamental.
4. 2 Black Cherry Trees, Bare Root 1-1.5 ft
$39.99as of Jun 28, 1:20 PMThis two-pack of black cherry trees from AKTRD delivers bare-root dormant saplings at 1 to 1.5 feet tall for a budget-friendly way to start a small orchard. The trees are sweet black cherry varieties that ripen in late June and are rated for Zones 4 through 8. Buyers who received healthy specimens report they began growing quickly after planting in full sun with loam soil.
The value proposition here is clear: two trees for the price of a single container-grown specimen. However, bare-root shipping is inherently riskier. Some customers report the trees arriving completely dried out with no viable roots, while others successfully planted stick-like starters that eventually leafed out. The seller’s packaging quality varies, with some shipments arriving well-protected and wet while others are too dry.
If you order these, plant them immediately upon arrival and soak the roots in water for several hours before planting. Moderate watering and full sun are essential during the establishment period. With patience and proper care, these can develop into productive cherry trees, but the first-year survival rate depends heavily on the condition they arrive in.
What works
- Two trees per order maximizes value for orchard planting.
- Sweet black cherry variety with late June ripening.
- Many buyers report quick growth after successful planting.
What doesn’t
- Bare-root condition is inconsistent; some arrive completely dried out.
- Small stick-like starters require patience for several years of growth.
5. 2 Black Cherry Trees, Bare Root 1-1.5 ft (Zone 3-6)
$49.99as of Jun 28, 1:20 PMThis AKTRD listing offers two black cherry bare-root seedlings specifically suited for colder climates in Zones 3 through 6. The saplings arrive dormant at 1 to 1.5 feet with no leaves, which is normal for bare-root shipping but can look discouraging upon opening. The dark purple-black fruit is ideal for pies and preserves if the trees survive to maturity.
The cold hardiness rating is the main differentiator here — these seedlings can handle winter lows that would kill many other cherry varieties. However, the bare-root packaging issues persist with this seller. Multiple customers report receiving trees with dry, broken roots that failed to show any growth after weeks of care. The seller does offer replacements for dead trees, but the replacement plants sometimes also struggle to establish.
If you live in Zone 5 or lower and want cherry trees, this listing is one of the few options that explicitly matches your climate. Soak the roots in a B1 solution before planting and use 2-gallon pots with quality soil for the best chance of recovery. Be prepared for a slow start — these trees are fragile and may take several years to reach fruit-bearing size.
What works
- Explicitly rated for cold Zones 3 through 6.
- Two trees per order for a low upfront investment.
- Seller offers replacement for verified dead arrivals.
What doesn’t
- Frequent complaints about dry, broken roots on arrival.
- Very slow growth; first fruit may take years after planting.
6. Black Diamond Crape Myrtle (Purely Purple, 1 gal)
$34.99as of Jun 28, 1:20 PMThe Black Diamond Crape Myrtle from Simpson Nursery brings dramatic near-black foliage and vivid purple flowers to warm-climate gardens in Zones 7 through 9. This 1-gallon pot contains a 12 to 18-inch tree that matures to 10 to 12 feet tall with a 6 to 8-foot spread. The extended bloom period from summer through fall provides months of color when many other plants are fading.
Customer feedback is mixed but leans positive for those whose trees arrived alive. Many buyers report the foliage looked healthy upon arrival and grew several inches quickly after planting. The dark leaves create a high-contrast backdrop that makes the purple flowers pop. However, some shipments arrive with loose soil that falls apart when removing the container, which can damage the root system.
This tree requires full sun and regular watering, with loam soil for best results. The main drawback is the state shipping restriction to CA, AZ, AK, and HI. For those in eligible states, this is a reliable ornamental option with unique foliage color, but it is not a fruit-producing cherry tree — it is strictly a flowering ornamental.
What works
- Unusual near-black foliage with vivid purple summer flowers.
- Extended bloom from summer through fall.
- Multiple buyers report healthy, fast-growing arrivals.
What doesn’t
- Loose soil in pot can dislodge roots during transplant.
- Restricted shipping to CA, AZ, AK, and HI.
7. Black Diamond Crape Myrtle (Purely Purple, 3 gal)
$52.99as of Jun 28, 1:14 PMStepping up to the 3-gallon size, this Black Diamond Crape Myrtle gives you a much larger established plant with a 15-pound root ball that fills the container. The larger root system significantly improves transplant success and first-year growth compared to the 1-gallon version. Buyers consistently rate this tree highly, with many reporting it arrived in excellent condition with new buds already visible on the branches.
The purely purple flowers bloom from summer to fall, and the dark foliage maintains its color throughout the growing season. The tree reaches 12 feet at maturity and thrives in Zones 7 through 9. Multiple customers specifically note that even poor soil didn’t stop this tree from thriving, especially when mixed with quality potting soil during planting.
The shipping restrictions to CA, AZ, AK, and HI still apply, and the tree requires full sun and regular watering. The 3-gallon price point is higher, but the improved survival rate and faster establishment make it a better long-term investment than smaller sizes. For buyers seeking immediate landscape impact from a purple-foliage tree, this is the most reliable container option.
What works
- Large 3-gallon pot with dense root system for reliable transplanting.
- Highly consistent positive reviews for plant health upon arrival.
- Extended bloom period with vivid purple flowers on dark foliage.
What doesn’t
- Cannot ship to CA, AZ, AK, or HI.
- Not a fruit tree; purely ornamental flowering tree.
Hardware & Specs Guide
Container Size and Root Development
Container size directly correlates with root mass and transplant success. A 1-gallon pot typically contains a tree with roots filling the container, but the soil can be loose and prone to falling apart. A 3-gallon or 5-gallon pot provides a much denser root ball that holds together during transplant, reducing shock and increasing first-year survival. Bare-root trees have no soil protection, so the roots must stay moist during shipping or they will die.
USDA Hardiness Zones and Chill Hours
Royal Burgundy cherry trees require a specific number of winter chill hours (typically 700-900 hours below 45°F) to break dormancy and produce fruit. Trees rated for Zones 5-8 generally receive adequate chill hours in those regions. Trees sold for colder zones (3-6) are adapted to longer winters, while warm-zone ornamentals like crape myrtle need no chill hours at all. Always match the tree’s zone rating to your local climate.
FAQ
How do I know if a bare-root cherry tree is still alive when it arrives?
Can a Royal Burgundy cherry tree grow in a container or does it need ground planting?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best royal burgundy cherry tree winner is the Cherry Plum Tree in a 5-gallon pot because the large container size gives you the highest probability of a healthy, established tree that produces fruit quickly. If you want dramatic purple foliage without the fruit, grab the Okame Flowering Cherry in a 5-gallon pot. And for cold-climate buyers seeking the lowest upfront cost, nothing beats the value of the 2-pack Black Cherry bare-root trees.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.