Nanking Bush Cherry plants

Buy Nanking Bush Cherry Plants for sale at Advanced Nursery Growers in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

The Nanking Bush Cherry (Prunus tomentosa) is an attractive deciduous fruiting shrub known for its beautiful early spring flowers and abundant crops of small, bright red cherries. Also called Nanking Cherry, Downy Cherry, Manchu Cherry, or Mountain Cherry, this vigorous shrub combines ornamental beauty with edible fruit.

In early spring, pink flower buds open into masses of white to pale pink blossoms, often covering the branches before the leaves fully emerge. The flowers are followed by small, bright red cherries with a pleasant sweet-tart flavor.

Nanking cherries can be eaten fresh or used for jelly, jam, pies, syrup, juice, sauces and other homemade treats. The dense, multi-stemmed growth also makes Nanking Cherry useful as an edible hedge, screen or wildlife planting.

Plant Details:

• Plant Type: Deciduous fruiting shrub
• Botanical Name: Prunus tomentosa
• Common Names: Nanking Cherry, Nanking Bush Cherry, Downy Cherry, Manchu Cherry, Mountain Cherry
• Native: Native to Asia
• Mature Height: Approximately 6–10 ft.; some plants may reach 12 ft. or more
• Mature Spread: Approximately 6–10 ft. or more
• Growth Habit: Upright, spreading and multi-stemmed
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• Sun: Full sun for best flowering and fruit production; tolerates some partial shade
• USDA Zones: Approximately Zones 2–7
• Flowers: Abundant white to pale pink flowers in early spring
• Fruit: Small, round, bright red cherry-like fruit
• Fruit Size: Generally around 1/2 inch, although size varies among seedlings
• Fruit Flavor: Sweet to tart depending on the individual plant
• Stone Type: Small fruit containing a single pit
• Harvest: Generally early to midsummer in climates where the plant is well adapted
• Fruit Uses: Fresh eating, jelly, jam, preserves, pies, syrup, juice and sauces
• Pollination: Plant two or more genetically different Nanking Cherry plants nearby for dependable cross-pollination and good fruit set
• Soil: Adaptable but prefers fertile, well-drained soil
• Water: Regular moisture while establishing; established plants have good drought tolerance
• Landscape Uses: Edible hedge, fruit garden, specimen shrub, screen, wildlife planting and informal border

Pollination:

Nanking Cherry requires cross-pollination for dependable fruit production.

For the best crop, plant at least two genetically different Nanking Cherry plants within pollinating distance of one another.

Most Nanking Cherries sold in the nursery trade are seedlings rather than named cultivars. Because seedlings are genetically different, planting two or more seedlings together generally provides the diversity needed for cross-pollination.

Planting several shrubs can also create an attractive edible hedge while improving pollination and fruit production.

Fruit & Harvest:

Nanking Cherry produces small red fruits that resemble miniature cherries.

Flavor varies naturally among seed-grown plants. Some plants produce sweeter fruit suitable for eating fresh, while others have a more pronounced tart flavor that is excellent for processing.

Nanking Cherries can be used for:

• Fresh eating
• Jelly
• Jam and preserves
• Pies
• Syrup
• Juice
• Sauces
• Desserts

The fruit contains a pit and should be pitted before most culinary uses.

Ornamental Value:

Nanking Cherry is not grown for fruit alone.

In early spring, branches can become covered with attractive white to light pink flowers before the shrub fully leafs out, creating an impressive flowering display.

Its dense branching habit makes it useful as an informal hedge, screen or edible landscape plant. Birds and other wildlife are also attracted to the ripe fruit.

North Florida Growing Note:

Nanking Bush Cherry is not considered a dependable fruiting shrub for North Florida or the Florida Panhandle.

Although Nanking Cherry is extremely cold hardy and adaptable in cooler and drier climates, horticultural references generally recommend it for approximately USDA Zones 2–7.

Advanced Nursery Growers is located in USDA Zone 8b, which is warmer than the plant's preferred range.

Nanking Cherry is known to perform poorly in the prolonged heat and humidity of the Deep South. Plants may survive in some protected or favorable locations, but growth, plant longevity, flowering and fruit production may be inconsistent.

Customers in North Florida should consider Nanking Cherry an experimental or specialty plant rather than a reliably productive fruit crop.

Gardeners in cooler regions of the United States are much more likely to experience the vigorous growth and dependable fruit production normally associated with this species.

Growing Tips:

For best results, plant Nanking Cherry in full sun with good air circulation.

Choose a site with well-drained soil. Avoid locations where water remains standing around the roots.

Provide regular water during establishment. Once established, Nanking Cherry can tolerate periods of dry weather.

Annual pruning can help maintain an open canopy and encourage productive younger branches. Remove dead, damaged and crossing branches and periodically remove some of the oldest stems to encourage new growth.

When planting for fruit production, remember to plant at least two genetically different Nanking Cherries nearby.

Important Florida Buyer Note:

Customers purchasing Nanking Cherry for locations in Zone 8 or warmer should understand that the plant is outside its commonly recommended growing range.

For customers specifically seeking a dependable cherry-like fruit for North Florida, please contact Advanced Nursery Growers before purchasing so we can discuss plants better adapted to your location.

Advanced Nursery Growers
1911 McLeod Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

Phone: 850-391-2228
Email: info@advancednurserygrowers.com

Local pickup is available for most plants and trees.

Limited shipping may be available for select trees, liners, and smaller plants. Not all plants or sizes are eligible for shipping. Please contact Advanced Nursery Growers before placing an order that requires shipping so we can confirm shipping eligibility, availability, packaging requirements and shipping cost.

Wholesale

Wholesale availability may be offered to qualified nurseries and landscapers when inventory allows.

Contact Advanced Nursery Growers for current wholesale availability and pricing.