I had Compact Stella growing in a very large pot years ago I left it outside during the winter and it had never made it. through the winter. So I would recommend to somehow protect/wrap the tree and the pot all together in winter time. I am in Chicago land 5B

Steve:

I have a Stella semi-dwarf...planted...it sets some fruit but haven't had a bounty yet..(5yrs) the tree is now full grown...I suggest though self fruiting...that doesn't always occur...maybe its me...I am looking to add a second Cherry .....my two cents....

I live in Northern Ohio, zone 5. I planted a stella in a pot spring 2010. The pot will keep it small, but I've pruned it to fit the small space I have. It's maybe 5'x5'. I am unaware of any other cherry trees in the area. This was the first year it fruited. I harvested close to a gallon of cherries this year. The tree was absolutely loaded with fruit. But the tree is small.

For winter, I bury the pot in leaves. If you go that route, pile the leaves higher than you want, because they settle a lot. If you can't do leaves, maybe try a couple of layers of bubble wrap? It seems that avoiding freezing and thawing cycles is also important. Clear bubble wrap might create a green house effect on sunny days. Might want to wrap the bubble wrap in something opaque like cardboard or a trash bag,

It's working for me. If you decide to go ahead with this, you might want to post again here or search for more info including effective potting soil, insecticide and fungicide sprays, fertilizer, etc. And make sure there are drain holes in the pot.

i potted a northstar (its a sour cherry though not a sweet like stella) this spring its been doing alright, I think it started around 2.5-3 ft tall and I would guess it put on 12-18 inches of growth. haven't wintered it or gotten fruit yet of course but im guessing it will be ok sour cherries are pretty cold hardy, they might be a safer bet if youre open to sours and aren't able to protect it