Nanking White Cherry 'Ian'

Nanking White Cherry ‘Ian’ is a cold-hardy, early-flowering shrub prized for its ornamental value and sweet, pale fruit. In early spring, it produces a profusion of white blossoms from deep pink buds, creating a striking floral display before leaves emerge. The fruit ripens in early summer and is creamy-white to translucent with a mild, sweet flavor and low acidity—ideal for fresh eating or making preserves.

This selection grows as a dense, multi-stemmed shrub, typically reaching 4 to 8 feet tall and wide. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerates drought once established, and is hardy to USDA Zone 3. Like most Nanking cherries, ‘Ian’ is not self-fertile and requires another Nanking variety nearby for good fruit set.

Key Features:

• Abundant white blooms in early spring from pink buds

• Creamy-white, sweet, low-acid fruit ripens early summer

• Dense, upright habit; grows 4–8 ft. tall and wide

• Cold-hardy to USDA Zone 3; drought-tolerant once established

• Requires cross-pollination with another Nanking cherry

• Ideal for edible hedges, wildlife gardens, or ornamental use

Nanking White Cherry ‘Ian’ combines spring beauty with summer fruit, making it a valuable addition to cold-climate landscapes and edible gardens.