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The Bing cherry tree, commonly known as Bing sweet cherry, is one of the most popular and widely grown sweet cherry varieties in North America. Developed in the late 19th century in Oregon by horticulturist Seth Lewelling, it was named after his orchard foreman, Ah Bing. Bing cherries became famous for their large size, deep mahogany-red skin, firm texture, and exceptionally sweet flavour. The fruit is highly prized for fresh eating but is also excellent for baking, preserves, and freezing. Bing cherry trees are vigorous and productive under the right growing conditions, though they require compatible pollinators for reliable fruit production and are somewhat sensitive to late spring frosts and excessively wet conditions.

Pollination: Cherry trees are generally not self-fertile. Plant one or more compatible sweet cherry varieties within 15–30 m (50–100 ft) to ensure proper pollination and fruit set. Bing pairs well with pollinators such as Rainier, Stella, Lapins, Van, Black Tartarian, and Sam.
Flowers Blossom: Mid to late spring
Fruit Ripens: Mid to late summer (typically July in Ontario)
Fruit: Large heart-shaped cherries with deep dark red to nearly black skin and flesh. Firm, juicy, and very sweet with a rich classic cherry flavour.
Usage: Excellent for fresh eating, desserts, preserves, baking, freezing, and juice.
Tree Characteristics: Vigorous, productive, and attractive with showy spring blossoms. Requires good airflow and regular pruning to reduce disease issues and maintain fruit quality.
Hardiness Zones: 5–8
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained fertile loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0
Average Height: 4.5–6 m (15–20 ft), depending on rootstock
Maximum Height: Up to 10 m (30 ft)
Spread: 4–6 m (13–20 ft)
Growth Habit: Upright to rounded canopy
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Ontario Native Status: Introduced (developed in Oregon, USA; not considered native)

Best Ontario native plants to grow around cherry trees

Ground Cover (Shade Tolerant)
Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana): Excellent living mulch that helps retain soil moisture, supports pollinators, and produces edible berries.
Blue Violet (Viola sororia): Shade-tolerant native ground cover that supports native pollinators.
Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis): Vigorous native ground cover useful for weed suppression.

Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Plants
Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum): Helps deter some pests while attracting bees and beneficial insects.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Attracts pollinators and predatory insects that help control pests.
Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp.): Valuable late-season nectar source for pollinators.
New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis): Excellent pollinator support plant for midsummer through fall.

Soil Improvers & Habitat Plants
Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): Supports beneficial insects and tolerates partial shade.
Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis): Nitrogen-fixing native plant that can help improve soil fertility where conditions are suitable.

Other Tips for Cherry Tree Guilds
Spring Bulbs: Plant daffodils around the drip line to help deter deer, rabbits, and voles.
Mulching: Apply wood chips or leaf mulch around the base to conserve moisture and improve soil health while keeping mulch away from the trunk.
Spacing: Place companion plants near the drip line (outer edge of branches) to minimize root competition, especially around young trees.
Bird Protection: Sweet cherries are highly attractive to birds; netting may be necessary as fruit ripens.