Cherry, Nanking

Prunus tomentosa

Nanking Cherry Facts

Pollinator Required: Yes
Sun Exposure Full: Sun
Bloom Period: Early May
Characteristics: Sour
Will Produce Fruit In: 3-5 years
Mature Height: 6 - 10 feet
Harvest Period: June to August
Support Required: No
Soil Type: All types

Zones: 3 - 7

The Nanking cherry is a beautiful flowering shrub that produces edible fruit. The fruit is commonly used for human consumption in pies and jellies. It is also good for wildlife plantings and windbreaks. This cherry is cold hardy, withstands winds, has low water needs and is fairly drought-tolerant. It will grow in shade but blooms better when grown in full sun to partial shade. This plant has good tolerance for alkaline soils. Soil should be well-drained.   Cross pollination is needed to produce fruit. Two plants should be placed within 100 yards of each other for pollination. Space plants 6-8 feet apart for hedges and windbreaks. No serious pest problems have been noted in the Nanking.