Prunus tomentosa
low
white-pink
April
6 to 10 ft.
10 to 15 ft.
No
north and western China, Japan
sun
USDA zones 2-7
hardy to 8,500 ft.
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 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.
Prune out dead or damaged stems as needed.