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Prunus tomentosa (Nanking Cherry)

Nanking Cherry, Korean Cherry, Manchu Cherry, Downy Cherry, Shanghai Cherry, Ando Cherry, Mountain Cherry, Chinese Bush Cherry, Chinese Dwarf Cherry

Prunus Tomentosa, Nanking Cherry, Korean Cherry, Manchu Cherry, Downy Cherry, Shanghai Cherry, Ando Cherry, Mountain Cherry, Chinese Bush Cherry, Chinese Dwarf Cherry, Flowering Shrub, Fruit Shrub
Prunus Tomentosa, Nanking Cherry, Korean Cherry, Manchu Cherry, Downy Cherry, Shanghai Cherry, Ando Cherry, Mountain Cherry, Chinese Bush Cherry, Chinese Dwarf Cherry, Flowering Shrub, Fruit Shrub
Prunus Tomentosa, Nanking Cherry, Korean Cherry, Manchu Cherry, Downy Cherry, Shanghai Cherry, Ando Cherry, Mountain Cherry, Chinese Bush Cherry, Chinese Dwarf Cherry, Flowering Shrub, Fruit Shrub

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 moistwell-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.

Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 10, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree
Common names Korean Cherry, Ando Cherry, Mountain Cherry, Nanking Cherry
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spread 12' - 15'
(3.7m - 4.6m)
Spacing 144" (3.7m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Japanese Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Prunus mume (Plum Blossom)
Prunus x cistena (Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry)
Prunus ilicifolia (Hollyleaf Cherry)
Prunus serotina (Black Cherry)
Prunus caroliniana (Carolina Cherry Laurel)
Prunus americana (American Plum)

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Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry Blossom)
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 2 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 10, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Rosaceae
Genus Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree
Common names Korean Cherry, Ando Cherry, Mountain Cherry, Nanking Cherry
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spread 12' - 15'
(3.7m - 4.6m)
Spacing 144" (3.7m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Japanese Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Prunus (Cherry Tree)
Not sure which Prunus (Cherry Tree) to pick?
Compare Now

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