Royal Rainier Cherry in zone 8a - doable?

[Lyoshka]

hi all! We are in Zone 8 a (Wilmington, NC) on the coast (we are amount a mile or so from the ocean) - combination of dirt and sand in the soil. I am dying to plant a couple of cherries in my landscaping (dwarf) or in the back yard. The Rainiers are said to need 500-600 chill hours, and I'm not sure how to calculate that. Can anyone help me figure out if Rainier cherry- or any other cherry- would do well here?

IF the answer is no, are there any cherry varieties that would welcome our heat and humidity and mild winters? (ideally, would love a sweet cherry and a sour cherry)

thanks!

 

[oneeye]

NC State Extension Publications, has all info you need.