Nanking Cherry

Description

Nanking Cherry

Latin: ‘Prunus tomentosa’

Height: Up to 10 ft

Spread: Up to 10 feet; plant 3 to 5 feet apart for Shelterbelt purposes

Sun exposure: Full sun- partial shade

Hardiness zone: 2+

Root system: Fibrous

Growth rate: Moderate

Lifespan: up to 50 years

Plug material

Nanking cherry is a large, dense, multi-stemmed shrub that can also be pruned into a small, tree-like shape. Because it grows so thick, it’s commonly planted in hedgerows as a windbreak or privacy screen. It’s valued just as much for its beauty and its fruit, too.

Each spring, it’s covered in fragrant white or pink blossoms, and then in fall the leaves turn orange. The bright red fruit ripens in July and is sweet but slightly tart, about 5–12 mm across with a large pit. Also known as Chinese bush cherry, Manchu cherry or mountain cherry, it’s actually more closely related to plums than true cherries.

However, this shrub is not self-fertile, so plant a second one within 100 feet for cross-pollination. Then, give it 3–4 years to reach full fruit production. The fruit is great for juice, jam and wine. In addition, it’s rich in vitamins A and C. Although the flesh is safe to eat, the pits, stems, leaves and bark are toxic and should never be eaten.

Nanking cherries couldn’t be easier to grow! They prefer full sun and well-drained sandy or loamy soil, and don’t like standing water. In fact, once established, they’re very hardy and drought-tolerant. Plus, they resist almost all pests and diseases. In short, the more sun, the more fruit!

Seedling size is approximately 12″ tall, 1 year old.