Prinsepia sinensis aka Cherry Prinsepia

Prinsepia sinensis is a deciduous shrub in the rose family. Its common names include Chinese prinsepia and cherry prinsepia. It comes from temperate parts of northeast Asia. Its native range includes northeast China, Korea, and Russia’s Primorye region. UConn places its origin in Manchuria. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Garden plants reach about 6–10 feet (1.8–3 metres) tall. Their spread can match their height. Some sources give a smaller height of 6 feet (1.8 metres). The shrub grows at a moderate pace. Its dense crown forms a rounded shape, though Chicago describes it as upright. Older stems have brown bark that peels in strips. Small brown buds bear hairy scales. The narrow, simple leaves have smooth edges and glossy green surfaces. Leaves grow in an alternate pattern along new shoots. They form clusters on older stems. In autumn, the foliage turns a mix of yellow and green.

Pale yellow flowers grow in small groups on older wood. Each group can hold up to four blooms. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers. UConn records bloom in April; Plants For A Future gives April to May. Chicago reports a wider season, from March through June. Red fruit follows the flowers and looks like small cherries. Each fruit holds one large seed. UConn reports ripe fruit in July. Plants For A Future places seed ripening in August and September.

Grow this shrub in full sun for the conditions most sources recommend. It also grows in light shade, according to Plants For A Future. It prefers fertile soil that drains well and stays moist. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils are all suitable. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Chicago lists moderate water needs and USDA zones 3–7. UConn places its cold hardiness at zone 4. It transplants well, and growers can raise it from seed. Prune when needed, bearing in mind that older wood carries flowers.

Its dense growth suits hedges, screens, and barriers. It also serves as a specimen shrub or woodland-edge planting. UConn reports resistance to most pests. The juicy fruit has a sour taste. Eat it raw, cook it, or use it for jelly. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards or medicinal uses.