Nanking Cherry
Nanking cherry is a large deciduous shrub. In early spring, it has many small pinkish-white flowers that cover the plant. It is one of the first plants to bloom in the spring.
After flowering, the small fuzzy green leaves appear on the slender, upright branches. Later in summer, they produce small, bright red edible cherries.
Nanking cherry is very drought tolerant and resilient to weather changes. Is an excellent choice for a large shrub in the Colorado Springs area.
Nanking Cherry
Nanking cherry is a large deciduous shrub. In early spring, it has many small pinkish-white flowers that cover the plant. It is one of the first plants to bloom in the spring.
After flowering, the small fuzzy green leaves appear on the slender, upright branches. Later in summer, they produce small, bright red edible cherries.
Nanking cherry is very drought tolerant and resilient to weather changes. Is an excellent choice for a large shrub in the Colorado Springs area.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Prunus tomentosa
Pronunciation
PROO-nus toh-men-TOH-suh
Mature Height
6 to 10 ft.
Mature Spread
10 to 15 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
white-pink
Bloom time
April
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
north and western China, Japan
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 2-7
Elevation Limit
hardy to 8,500 ft.
Performance
Nanking cherry has been an excellent large shrub at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. It blooms in early spring, so sometimes the flowers are nipped by late spring frosts. The flowers, leaves and berries make it a good three-season interest plant.
Maintenance
Prune out dead or damaged stems as needed.