՚Irena՚ is characterized by large, heart-shaped fruits with a beautiful gloss, which are very homogeneous with a remarkably smooth skin. Due to its late flowering and ripening time as well as its S-allele it is a very good polleniser for ՚Regina՚. Because of its similarity it can be harvested and marketed together with ՚Regina՚.

'Irena' is a sweet cherry variety bred by VSUO Holovousy in the Czech Republic from a cross between ‘Kordia’ and ‘M. Reward’. The trees are vigorous, upright, and well branched, developing a strong framework that supports consistent and productive orchard performance. In addition, Irena is known for its healthy and robust tree characteristics, making it a reliable choice for commercial cherry production.

Flowering occurs late in the season, helping to reduce the risk of spring frost damage. The variety belongs to the S-allele group S4S6 and therefore requires compatible pollinisers. Irena ripens during the seventh cherry week, at approximately the same time as ‘Regina’, making it an attractive option for late-season cherry production.

The variety produces large, uniform fruits with a diameter of 28 to 30 mm. The cherries are heart-shaped and highly attractive, featuring a smooth, dark red skin with an appealing glossy finish. Their homogeneous size and premium appearance make them particularly suitable for fresh market sales.

Irena offers excellent eating quality with juicy flesh that ranges from fairly firm to firm, providing a pleasant texture and good handling characteristics. The flavour is distinguished by a fruity aroma and a well-balanced sugar-to-acidity ratio. With sugar levels of 17 to 18° Brix, the variety delivers a rich, sweet taste that is complemented by refreshing acidity, resulting in a harmonious and enjoyable flavour experience.

The variety is valued for its regular and high yields, ensuring reliable production year after year. For optimal orchard management, cultivation on weak-growing rootstocks, similar to those commonly used for ‘Regina’, is recommended. Moderate pruning from an early stage helps promote the development of productive fruiting wood and supports consistent fruit quality. Overall, Irena combines attractive large fruits, balanced flavour, dependable yields, and a healthy growth habit, making it an excellent choice for modern sweet cherry orchards.