From a young age, Jefferson was interested in the culture of fruit and the earliest entry in his Garden Book described the budding of cherry trees for his orchard. By 1773 he was sending slips of the 'Carnation' Cherry to Monticello. In a letter to James Barbour dated March 5, 1816 Jefferson deemed the "Carnation Cherry so superior to all others that no other deserves the name of cherry." It was grown not only in his orchard, but also along the outer walk of the vegetable garden terrace.
Visit Monticello’s Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of 'Carnation' Cherry.
Typical Blooming Dates: April
Blossom Color(s): White
Location at Monticello: South Orchard