Chaenomeles x superba
Flowering quince
- Height × spread
- 1.5m × 2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a rather open looking, rounded shrub with spreading spiny branches and shiny oval leaves in mid-green. In spring and early summer there are small cup-shaped flowers in a range of colours from white to bright red and orange. After flowering, it is not a very exciting shrub in the summer garden. All japonicas have fruiting potential, but since they are usually hard-pruned, these may not often be seen. The fruits are green to yellow quinces, the size of small apples, and make an interesting feature in the autumn garden. If you are able to grow this japonica as a free standing spreading shrub, you may get the benefit of the fruits. They are extremely harsh to the palate if eaten raw, but carry a delicious aroma after cooking and are generally used to make preserves.
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1.5m
- Spread
- 2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry and shady soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Hedge, Structural, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Walls
- North, South, East, West facing
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, stems are prickly/thorny
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Prune after flowering
When the plant has flowered, cut all the flowered shoots back to healthy buds that are lower on the stems. When the plant is established, take out a quarter of the oldest branches to the ground at this time.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Hedges · Planting
Suitable for an informal hedge
If left to grow naturally this is a hedge that has an informal growth habit that gives it a natural, or some may say, 'untidy' look.
Hedges · Planting
Suitable for creating a prickly hedge
This plant has thorns, so makes a good defensive barrier. Weeding around plants with prickly foliage can be painful without suitable gloves and clothing for protection.
Found in
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Chaenomeles japonica
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