These three new varieties of white Nanking cherry were selected by Michael McConkey as sweeter and lower in acidity than the common red fruited Nanking cherry variety. The varieties Jules, Ian, and Gabe are considered a multi-stemmed shrub and will grow to a mature height of 4 to 8 feet and spread to 8 feet. The height and width can be maintained by pruning the older canes, which is also recommended to rejuvenate the plants. The white fruits are slightly larger than the red fruited varieties of Nanking. Our three varieties Ian, Gabe, and Jules have a pleasant, highly sweet, low acid flavor that are best eaten fresh from the plants.
The plants flower early in the Spring, with deep pink buds changing to bright white when in full bloom for about ten days. The plants will yield 8 to 12 pounds when they are mature and the fruits will begin ripening the first week of June in USDA zone 7.
The variety Ian is tolerant to drier conditions than Gabe and Jules. The plants are not self-pollinating so choose to plant at least two of the varieties or plant all three for optimum cross pollination. Plants can be grown successfully in USDA zones 3 to 7.
