Prunus japonica aka Chinese Bush Cherry

Prunus japonica is a small, bushy shrub in the rose family. Common names include oriental bush cherry and dwarf flowering cherry. Chicago Botanic Garden calls it Japanese bush cherry. It loses its leaves each year. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The species profile gives no further details about its native range. Its small size suits beds and borders in cottage gardens. The RHS also lists it for informal and wildlife gardens.

Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet (1–1.5 metres) tall. Their spread falls within the same range. They take five to ten years to reach full size. Thin, wiry branches bear mid-green leaves with a lance shape. Small flowers open in mid-spring. Each flower is single, with pink or white petals. Small, dark red fruits sometimes follow the flowers. The RHS describes these fruits as sour. Its species profile does not establish whether they are safe to eat. It gives no species-specific guidance on toxicity either.

Choose a site in full sun for this shrub. It can also grow in partial shade. Keep the soil moist, but make sure excess water drains away. The RHS recommends soil with a moderate level of fertility. Suitable soil types include chalk, clay, loam and sand. The plant accepts acid, neutral and alkaline soil. East-, south- and west-facing sites all suit it. It can grow in both exposed and sheltered places. The RHS gives it the hardiness rating H7. This rating covers winter lows below −4°F (−20°C).

Several pests and diseases may affect the plant. Aphids and caterpillars are among the listed pests. Possible diseases include peach leaf curl, silver leaf and bacterial canker. Blossom wilt and honey fungus may also cause problems. The RHS flags the shrub as a high-risk host for Xylella fastidiosa. These are possible risks, rather than signs that every plant will suffer. The profile does not give a treatment plan for these problems.

The RHS lists three ways to raise new plants. Sow seed in outdoor containers during autumn. Take softwood cuttings in early summer and provide heat from below. Layering offers another method. The RHS places the shrub in pruning group 5. Its profile does not give further pruning steps.