Nanking Cherry

Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa) forms a cold-hardy, upright, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub. Pink buds open to dense white blooms before the leaves in early spring, followed by small cherries that ripen around June. Seedlings vary in size and taste, with fruit ranging from sweet to tart and useful fresh or in jam, jelly, pies, and juice. Its branching growth suits an edible hedge or windbreak. For dependable crops, plant at least two seedlings for cross-pollination. Nanking cherry adapts to many soils, but prefers full sun and well-drained sandy ground; established plants tolerate dry conditions. Flowers can still set fruit after exposure to late spring frosts, which makes this species useful where other fruit trees may lose blossoms. Sources: [Utah State University Extension](https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/nanking-cherry-in-the-garden) and [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/prunus-tomentosa/). ## Maintenance Water consistently while new plants establish, then reduce irrigation as roots develop. Prune in late winter to remove damaged or crowded stems and maintain an open framework. Plant another seedling nearby for cross-pollination and stronger fruit set.