How to Grow and Care for Chinese Bush Cherry
A practical guide to cultivating the Chinese Bush Cherry, a resilient shrub valued for its spring flowers and its yield of tart, versatile fruit.
The Chinese Bush Cherry, known scientifically as Prunus tomentosa, is a deciduous shrub from Asia, valued for both its ornamental qualities and its fruit production. In early spring, it produces a profusion of fragrant white to pale pink flowers that cover its stems. This hardy plant has an attractive, dense form and produces small, edible red cherries in the summer, making it a functional and beautiful addition to many gardens.
Planting and Growing Conditions
For the best fruit yield, select a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. While the shrub tolerates partial shade, full sun encourages more abundant flowering and fruit. It is adaptable to both exposed and sheltered locations and can serve as a windbreak.
This shrub performs best in well-draining, loamy soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Avoid heavy clay soils or areas prone to waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Before planting, loosen the soil and incorporate organic matter like compost.
When planting, dig a hole wide and deep enough to fit the root ball. For fruit production, plant more than one shrub to ensure cross-pollination, spacing them at least 15 feet apart for mature growth. After placing the plant in the hole, backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
Young plants require consistent watering, though they become quite drought-tolerant once mature. This species is cold-hardy, thriving in USDA zones 2 through 7.
Care and Maintenance
Once established, the Chinese Bush Cherry requires minimal care. It is not a heavy feeder, but a single application of a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears is beneficial. This provides nutrients for the upcoming growing season, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid over-fertilizing.
Pruning is best performed after the fruiting season has ended in the summer. The primary goals are to maintain the shrub’s shape, remove any dead or crossing branches, and improve air circulation throughout the plant. Good airflow is a simple way to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the shrub offers several advantages. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture, reducing the need for supplemental watering during dry periods. It also effectively suppresses the growth of weeds, which compete with the shrub for water and nutrients.
Harvesting and Using the Cherries
The cherries are ready for harvest in early to mid-summer when the fruits turn a deep, scarlet red and feel firm but not hard. It is best to pick them by hand, handling them gently to prevent bruising the delicate fruit. Regular harvesting is recommended as the fruits ripen, which can prevent overripe cherries from dropping.
The flavor of the cherry is a refreshing mix of sweet and tart, making them versatile for culinary use. They can be enjoyed fresh or used to make pies, jams, and jellies, where their tartness is balanced with sugar. They can also be cooked down into sauces to accompany other dishes.
Common Pests and Diseases
While a robust plant, the Chinese Bush Cherry can face issues with pests like aphids and leaf-mining moths. Birds are also highly attracted to the ripe fruit, which can lead to a significant loss of the harvest. Placing netting over the shrubs as the fruit begins to ripen is an effective way to protect the cherries from birds.
Fungal diseases can sometimes affect the plant, especially in humid conditions or if it has poor air circulation. Issues like brown rot and blossom wilt may appear. Proper pruning to improve airflow and ensuring the plant is in well-drained soil are the key preventative measures.