Downy Cherry Prunus tomentosa

Downy Cherry is a flowering, perennial, deciduous shrub or small tree in the rose family native to Asia. At maturity, it will reach a height of 10 feet with an equal or larger spread. In early spring, it will produce white and pink blossoms that are very attractive, but short-lived. The petals are fragile and easily fall. The foliage is wrinkled and dark green with good fall color. Edible red fruits appear in mid-summer. The plant is commonly called downy cherry because of the layer of down that covers leaves, stems, and fruits. The genus name comes from the Latin for plum or cherry. The species name, like the common name, refers to the thick mat of hairs on the leaves.

Plant in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.  Established plants will tolerate drought and winter conditions. However, it does less well in heat and humidity and is not recommended for sites south of USDA Zone 7. Because the blossoms are so fragile, the plant should be sited where it is sheltered from wind. Propagate this shrub with stem cuttings or by seed. It does have a relatively long lifespan.

Use this ornamental plant as a shrub border, mass plant it, or create a hedge or windbreak.  Be aware it does naturalize in the landscape, but is not considered invasive.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: 

Borers can be an issue and brown-rot fungus for stressed trees. The plant generally performs poorly in the south due to heat and humidity.