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Nanking Cherry vs Manchurian Apricot
Prunus armeniaca var. mandshurica
Prunus tomentosa
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
Manchurian Apricot is a winter-hardy relative of the native plum. This tree can stand some drought, but will not handle standing water or saturated moist soils. It can be used in shelterbelts, hedges, or as an ornamental. Manchurian Apricot will also attract songbirds, rabbits, and other rodents if left uncontrolled.
This tree will produce fruit once it reaches maturity at between two and five years old. Other famous cultivars of Manchurian Apricot include Scout Apricot, Moongold, and many more.
Nanking Cherry is a small deciduous shrub known for its attractive white blossoms and edible fruit. Its dark red berries are excellent for pies, jellies, and even fresh eating.
Nanking Cherry is highly regarded as a shade tolerant fruit. We often see it planted as a hedge on the north side of a house where few other plants will survive, let alone thrive.
Expect fruit mid to late July. The fruit can vary in sweetness and size considerably. We often hear that people prefer it to sour cherries. Perhaps this is because Nanking Cherry is more closely related to plums. In fact, it is sometimes used as a dwarfing rootstock for plums.
Note: This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Nanking Cherry seeds at SeedTime.ca.