Prunus tomentosa (Nanking Cherry)

Extremely winter hardy, Prunus tomentosa (Nanking Cherry) is a very desirable, deciduous shrub with showy flowers, tasty fruits, and eye-catching exfoliating bark. Opening from pink buds in early spring, as the leaves begin to unfold, masses of fragrant white flowers, up to 1 in. wide (2.5 cm), literally cover the stems. The bright red stalks and calyx make a lovely contrast with the white petals. They are followed by a profusion of edible, scarlet fruits that ripen in early-mid summer. Their refreshing flavor, somewhere between sweet and tart, can be enjoyed when eaten fresh from the shrub or in pies, jams, or jellies – unless hungry birds have already devoured them. The foliage of serrate, obovate to elliptic, dark green leaves is downy underneath (hence the common name ‘Downy Cherry’). Nanking Cherry develops a lustrous dark reddish-brown bark that exfoliates in thin strips of vertical curls with age. Vigorous, Nanking Cherry adapts well to cold winters, hot summers, and drought. Be sure to plant more than one Nanking Cherry for cross-pollination!

• Nanking Cherry is a moderately fast-growing shrub with a dense, upright, semi-spreading habit. Typically reaches 6-10 ft. in height (180-300 cm) and 12-15 ft. in spread (360-450 cm). Self-seed but this plant is not considered invasive.
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in moist, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. Tolerates considerable wind and dryness
• Generally pest- and disease-free. May be occasionally affected by mites.
• Perfect choice as a single specimen plant, in mass plantings, shrub borders, or as hedges or windbreaks (thanks to its densely branched habit).
• Prune as needed after flowering.
• Propagate by cuttings, root suckers, or seed
• Native to China, Japan, and the Himalayas.