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Chaenomeles japonica (Japanese Quince)

Japanese Quince, Flowering Quince, Maule's Quince, Dwarf Quince, Japanese Flowering Quince

Chaenomeles japonica, 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

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 Rosaceae
Genus Chaenomeles
Common names Flowering Quince, Japanese Quince
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early), Winter
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Chaenomeles x superba ‘Lemon and Lime’ (Flowering Quince)
Chaenomeles x superba ‘Knap Hill Scarlet’ (Flowering Quince)
Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Falconnet Charlet’ (Flowering Quince)
Chaenomeles speciosa Double Take® Orange (Flowering Quince)
Chaenomeles speciosa Double Take® Scarlet (Flowering Quince)
Chaenomeles speciosa Double Take® Peach (Flowering Quince)

Recommended Companion Plants

Pennisetum orientale (Oriental Fountain Grass)
Helleborus Winter Jewels ‘Onyx Odyssey’ (Hellebore)

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Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince)
Pretty Flowers for your Winter 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.
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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 Rosaceae
Genus Chaenomeles
Common names Flowering Quince, Japanese Quince
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early), Winter
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince) to pick?
Compare Now

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