Nanking Cherry
prunus tomentosa
Also known as: ["Manchurian Cherry","Nanking Cherry Tree"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to Asia, known for its small, edible cherries and attractive white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","cold hardy","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Prunus |
| Botanical Name: | Prunus tomentosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old wood to rejuvenate growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) in spring and summer; partial shade in hot climates or during peak summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during extreme heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, amend with organic matter, test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold winters; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from late frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; water before and after applying; avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer; layering can also be successful.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, provide warmth.
Best Time: Early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F/21–24°C), indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix (1:1) or cactus mix with added sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within a growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heating mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to shape branches, remove crossing or crowded stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, encourage airflow and fruit production.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are present.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, replace with fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary for container-grown plants to maintain vigor.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use raised beds in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; growth may slow or stop; buds may fail to open.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap in extreme cold; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or premature fruit drop.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use reflective mulch to reduce heat absorption.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, apply at recommended rate, water after application, adjust for season.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicThe seeds and pits of Prunus tomentosa are toxic to cats, containing cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide poisoning. This can severely affect the cat's respiratory and nervous systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe seeds and pits of Prunus tomentosa are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, affecting the dog's respiratory and nervous systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicThe seeds and pits of Prunus tomentosa contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon digestion, leading to poisoning. The physiological impact includes disruption of cellular respiration and potential systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the cherries from Prunus tomentosa edible?
A: Yes, the small cherries are edible and can be used for jams, jellies, or fresh consumption.
Q: How cold hardy is Prunus tomentosa?
A: It is highly cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C).
Q: Does Prunus tomentosa attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and fruit.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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