shrub

Nanking cherry

Prunus tomentosa

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa) — a shrub, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium

↑ Gives back

Fruitedible cherries
Mulch_biomassmedium
Pollenabundant
Nectarabundant

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceBud break and leaf emergence typically occur after the last spring frost and when air temperatures consistently rise above 5°C.
floweringFlowering occurs shortly after leaf emergence, typically within two weeks, lasting for about three weeks.
fruitingFruit development begins after flowering, with fruits ripening approximately one month later and lasting for about a month.
harvestFruits are typically ready for harvest in early to mid-summer, usually July, and can be picked over several weeks.
senescenceLeaves begin to change color and drop with the first autumn frosts and shortening day lengths.
dormancyThe plant enters full dormancy after leaf drop, triggered by consistent cold temperatures and the first hard frosts of autumn.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, calcium
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam, clay_loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseed, cuttings, grafting
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~2 yr
Stratificationrequires cold stratification for 2-3 months
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionnot applicable

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, birds, pollinators
Can host pestsaphids, cherry fruit fly, Japanese beetle
Can host diseasesbrown rot, cherry leaf spot