How to Grow Bush Cherry
Prunus tomentosa
Bush cherry (Nanking cherry) is an exceptionally cold-hardy fruiting shrub (zones 2-7) reaching 2-3m tall. Plant in full sun to part shade in any well-drained soil. It flowers profusely in early spring and produces small tart red cherries in early summer, ideal for preserves. Prune in late winter to maintain shape. Minimal care needed once established. Makes an excellent informal hedge or specimen shrub.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Early spring with a balanced fertiliser (e.g. 10-10-10) as buds swell. A light compost mulch in autumn feeds the soil over winter.
Watch For
- Brown rot
- Aphids
- Bird damage to fruit
- Powdery mildew
Companions
Comfrey, Chives, Nasturtiums, Clover
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to part shade
Produces best fruit in full sun (6+ hours). Tolerates partial shade but yields and flavour will be reduced. Avoid deep shade.
Watering
Low once established
Water regularly during the first year to establish roots. Once established, bush cherry is drought-tolerant. Water during prolonged dry spells in fruit development.
Fertilizing
Balanced feed in early spring
Apply a balanced fertiliser (10-10-10) in early spring as buds swell. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes leaf growth over fruit. A compost mulch in autumn provides slow-release nutrition.
Pruning
Late winter renewal pruning
Prune in late winter before bud break. Remove dead, diseased, and crossing branches. Cut out one-third of oldest stems annually to encourage productive young wood.
Spacing
1.5-2m apart; 1m for hedging
Space individual specimens 1.5-2m apart for good air circulation. For informal hedging, plant 1-1.2m apart. Allow 2m between rows.
Support
None required
Bush cherry is a self-supporting shrub that does not need staking or training. May benefit from a low windbreak in very exposed sites.
Growing Tips
Full sun for best fruit
Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot for maximum flowering and fruit set. Tolerates part shade but yields less.
Any well-drained soil
Thrives in poor, sandy, or clay soils as long as drainage is adequate. Avoid waterlogged sites.
Net against birds
Cover with netting as fruit colours to protect from birds, which will strip the bush in days.
Prune for renewal
Remove one-third of the oldest stems each winter to keep the bush vigorous and productive with young fruiting wood.
