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Prunus tomentosa
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Nanking cherry

A medium-sized, deciduous shrub, usually fairly upright, with bright green foliage that's covered in silky hairs as it emerges, and which remain on the undersides of the leaves. The single, white or pale pink flowers appear in early spring and are followed by bright red, edible but sharp, fruit on short stalks

Other common names
downy cherry

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink White Green
Summer Green Red
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Japan, Korea, China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed; softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem

Pests

May be susceptible to caterpillars, leaf-mining moths and aphids

Diseases

May be affected by silver leaf, bacterial canker and blossom wilt. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa

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