Chaenomeles japonica (Japanese Quince)
Japanese Quince, Flowering Quince, Maule's Quince, Dwarf Quince, Japanese Flowering Quince
Chaenomeles japonica (Japanese Quince) is a low-growing, deciduous shrub with abundant clusters of bright orange-scarlet flowers, up to 1.5 in. across (3-4 cm), adorned with creamy white stamens. Borne on thorny, tangled, leafless branches, they bloom in profusion for a few weeks in late winter/early spring, creating a brilliant floral display at a time when there is little to be excited about in the garden. The flowers give way to small, fragrant, 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.
- Grows up in a bushy, densely-branched shrub up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm).
- A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils. Best flower production occurs in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soil conditions, including dry soils and clay soils provided there is good drainage. Drought tolerant once established.
- Easy to care for and nearly indestructible, Japanese Quince is a perfect choice for mixed shrub borders or low-flowering hedges. The spreading form and spiny branches make this plant an excellent choice for screening, or as a security barrier. Great as a specimen plant and for foundation plantings. Japanese Quince may also be trained against a wall.
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Plants bloom on old growth. Prune to shape as required after flowering to encourage the growth of flowering spurs. Note that such pruning will reduce fruit production. Remove root suckers to control possible spread.
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
- Branches can be cut from your Japanese Quince in late winter and forced to bloom indoors.
- Native to Japan
Not sure which Chaenomeles - Flowering Quinces to pick?
Compare All Chaenomeles - Flowering Quinces
Buy Chaenomeles japonica (Japanese Quince)
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Chaenomeles - Flowering Quinces |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early) Winter |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Chaenomeles - Flowering Quinces |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early) Winter |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |