Among the first shrubs to bloom in late winter to early spring, Flowering Quinces (Chaenomeles) are deciduous shrubs that are welcomed additions to the winter garden. They boast abundant clusters of charming, apple-blossom-shaped flowers, up to 1.5 in. across (3-4 cm), in cheerful shades of delicate pink, rich vermilion, coral red, and pure white. They create a brilliant floral display at a time when there is little to be excited about in the garden. Borne on thorny, tangled branches, the flowers bloom for many weeks and usually appear before the glossy, ovate, green leaves. They give way to small, fragrant, apple-like, greenish-yellow fruits, 2 in. across (5 cm), which ripen in early fall. Edible, they are considered too bitter to be eaten directly from the shrub, but they may be used for preserves and jellies.

The Flowering Quinces grown in our gardens are cultivated forms of Chaenomeles speciosa, Chaenomeles japonica, and hybrids of these two varieties, Chaenomeles x superba.

• Chaenomeles speciosa is native to China and grows into a tall, spreading shrub, 6-10 ft. high and wide (130-300 cm). Hardy to USDA Zones 4-8, it is an ideal plant for a wall shrub
• Chaenomeles japonica is native to Japan and grows into a shorter but spreading, thorny shrub, 2-3 ft. high (60-90 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm). Hardy to USDA Zones 5-9, it is perfect for informal hedges
• Chaenomeles x superba cultivars grow in dense, broad, rounded shrubs, about 3-4 ft. high (90-120 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 cm). Hardy to USDA Zones 5-9, it is quite versatile and great for mixed shrub borders or flowering hedges.