Cherry prinsepia
Prinsepia sinensis

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Prinsepia sinensis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.8

Where it is found

In the shade of mixed forests and in shrubberies, especially on pebbly or alluvial soils. Mixed forests, forests of shady slopes, open places on slopes and beside streams in northern China.

E. Asia - Northern China to Manchuria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw or cooked. Red and juicy. A pleasant sour taste, they can be eaten out of hand or made into jellies. The plum-shaped fruit is about 15mm long with one large seed.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. The plants produce flowers and fruits better when they are growing in full sun. Flowers are produced on the previous seasons wood. They are produced on old wood according to another report. This plant has a potential for commercial fruit production. Unfortunately, it only fruits in Britain after long hot summers.

Propagating it: Seed - best if given 2 months cold stratification. Sow the seed in autumn if possible, otherwise in late winter or early spring in a cold frame in light shade. Germination may be inhibited by light. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle into individual pots. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Plagiospermum sinense.