Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Color

Red

 

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Messy

Design Styles

English Cottage, Japanese, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

This deciduous shrub is one of the earliest to flower with pink buds that open to white blossoms in early spring. Flowers are followed by edible red berries that ripen in June and July, are ½-inch in diameter, and as they are, are best used for making jams and jellies (though the pit is large). Popular with robins, finches, cedar waxwings and other wild birds. large, wide-spreading shrub or pruned as a small tree. Leaves are dark green and finely toothed; older bark is exfoliating. It grows about 8 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. Makes a wonderful hedge.

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, though flowering and fruiting will be better in full sun. This plant has good tolerance for alkaline soils. It is native to northern China and Japan. Hardy to USDA Zone 3. Cross pollination is needed to produce fruit so plant at least 2 plants. No serious pest problems have been noted in this plant. This cherry is very cold hardy, withstands winds, has low water needs and is fairly drought tolerant. Prune selectively in late winter.