Plant of the Week: Nanking Cherry

Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa)

The nanking cherry is a member of the Rose family (Roseace) and a native of northern Asia.  It is a hardy, fast growing shrub that reaches about 8 ft at full height and has a cold hardiness rating of Zone 2.  It produces a bounty of fragrant white flowers in the spring that attract a wide variety of pollinators, and vibrant red cherries mid-summer that are a favorite of songbirds, as well as make great syrup and jelly.  (One plant can produce around a gallon of 1/2 inch cherries if they are protected from the birds.)  It comes as no surprise that this shrub is a frequent choice for shelter belts and hedges as well as for individual plantings.

Plant nanking cherries in full sun or minimal shade for best flowering and fruit production.  Two or more plants are required for cross pollination and should be planted a minimum of 4 ft apart.  Plants can be purchased as bare root stock or as root balls.  Dig the hole twice as wide as the root wad and deep enough so that it sits at the same depth as it was previously planted (top of the root ball or look for a darker mark on the main stem indicating the soil line on bare root stock).  Loosen the roots and place the plant in the hole.  Back fill about half full and tamp down before adding the remaining to the soil line.  Water deeply right away and for its first season.

Happy Gardening! :)