Nanking cherry Prunus tomentosa
Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Rosaceae family, native to China, Korea and the Himalaya. It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -40 °C (-40 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Nanking cherry in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Nanking cherry at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -40 °C (-40 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–2 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit |
| Native to | China, Korea and the Himalaya |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Nanking cherry toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: pits, leaves, stems
Leaves, bark and pits contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) that can release cyanide if chewed in quantity. The ripe flesh is safe.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Nanking cherry
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Shared pests and diseases
- Brown rot: Monilinia brown rot moves between cherries, plums, peaches and apricots. Evidence B
Questions about Nanking cherry
- How far apart should I plant Nanking cherry?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Nanking cherry need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Nanking cherry need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Nanking cherry?
- It tolerates about -40 °C (-40 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Nanking cherry flower?
- From about April for 1–2 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Nanking cherry poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Leaves, bark and pits contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) that can release cyanide if chewed in quantity. The ripe flesh is safe.
- What grows well with Nanking cherry?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- UC IPM degree-day models and pest notes, University of California
Notes and assumptions
- Seedlings vary and most need a second plant for good fruit set; fruit is small and ripens in early summer; chill roughly 800 hours (estimate).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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