Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Geisha Girl’ (Flowering Quince)

Later flowering than other varieties, Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Geisha Girl’ (Flowering Quince) is a compact deciduous shrub with abundant clusters of semi-double soft apricot flowers enhanced by a bunch of yellow anthers. Borne on thorny, tangled branches before the glossy, dark green leaves appear, they bloom in profusion for many weeks in spring, creating a brilliant floral display at a time when there is little to be excited about in the garden. Sometimes, the flowers give way to small, fragrant, apple-shaped, 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. This charming flowering shrub looks terrific in the middle of a mixed border or trained against a wall. The stems are lovely for cutting to put in a vase, too!

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows up to 4-5 ft. tall and wide (120-150 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, Flowering Quince is a perfect choice for mixed shrub borders or 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. Flowering Quince may also be trained against a wall.
• Deer and rabbit-resistant
• 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