Chaenomeles

Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince) are deciduous, usually spiny shrubs with abundant clusters of bright orange-scarlet, white or pink flowers in late winter or early spring, creating a brilliant floral display at a time when there is little to be excited about in the garden. The blooms appear before or with the simple, toothed leaves and give way to small, apple-like, aromatic fruits which may be used for preserves and jellies. Deer and rabbit resistant, Quinces are easy to grow and perfect for shrub borders, as low hedges or trained against a wall. Their pretty branches can be cut in late winter and forced to bloom indoors for our greatest pleasure.