Hortiforum

General Info – Nanking Cherry, Korean Cherry, Manchu Cherry, Shanghai Cherry

The Nanking Cherry, with its spectacular Cherry blossoms and charming miniature cherries, thrives on a resilient, dwarfing tree that undoubtedly merits a place in every temperate garden.
Renowned for its ornamental allure, this delightful shrub is predominantly cultivated for its aesthetic appeal. Much like other members of the Prunus family, the Nanking Cherry adorns itself in a profusion of eye-catching white flowers during spring, enveloping the tree in a breathtaking display of white, making it the ideal choice for those seeking the captivating beauty of cherry blossoms without the size and upkeep associated with other Cherry species. Following this splendid floral showcase, the mint-shaped leaves emerge, creating a striking contrast to the abundance of miniature, radiant red cherries that embellish the branches. As a deciduous shrub boasting a well-defined, cubic, spreading form, the Nanking Cherry exhibits remarkable adaptability, making it suitable as a dooryard tree, a background shrub, or for forming hedgerows where multiple plants aid in cross-pollination. Nanking Cherries maintain a mature height ranging from 1 to 3 metres, ensuring they stay easily manageable for pruning and harvesting.
The Nanking Cherry distinguishes itself with exceptional hardiness, capable of withstanding cooler temperatures and drier conditions compared to both sweet and sour cherry varieties. Tolerant of strong winds and relatively alkaline soils, this plant thrives in moist, loamy soil and full sunlight, particularly excelling in climates characterised by cold winters and cool-warm summers. In climates with hot, humid summers, Nanking Cherries are susceptible to diseases and pests.
These adorable red Cherries, with a delightful sweet/tart cherry flavour, are deemed comparable to high-quality Sweet Cherries. Their culinary versatility extends to applications in jellies, juices, wines, preserves, and pies. However, their vibrant, glossy scarlet colour makes them a prime target for birds, prompting gardeners who wish to safeguard their harvest to consider netting their plants.
Ideal for compact spaces, the Nanking Cherry presents itself as the perfect choice, offering both ornamental beauty and delicious fruit on a resilient, dwarfing fruit tree.

Plant Profile/Properties