hortorium:

Nanking Cherry flowers (Prunus tomentosa)

The Nanking cherry has an excellent winter hardiness to zone 2 and should not be planted south of USDA zone 7. They are good plantings for attractive wind breaks that also provide food for wildlife. 

Plants found in nurseries in the United States tend to be variable as they are typically grown from seed. The fruits can be sweet or tart, but most of them tend to be more on the sour side.

Nanking cherries are a popular choice for permaculture landscapes as they add food to an understory niche or a smaller space than a tree could. The are also very hardy and easy to care for, so this reduces a lot of upkeep.

The Gardens on Spring Creek, Fort Collins, CO – 4/18/18