Prunus tomentosa
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
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H7Botanical 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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