Maule’s Quince

(Chaenomeles japonica)

Maule’s Quince (Chaenomeles japonica)

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Summary

Chaenomeles japonica, commonly known as Maule’s Quince, is a deciduous shrub native to Japan and Korea. This plant typically grows to a height of 3 feet (1 meter) and a width of 5 feet (1.5 meters), and is known for its spiny branches. The shrub has a dense, broad-rounded form and produces a profusion of showy flowers that are most commonly a brilliant orange-red, but can also be white, pink, or multicolored. The flowering season begins in late winter to early spring, before the leaves emerge, creating a striking display against the bare branches. The flowers are 3 to 4 centimeters wide and often appear in clusters of two to three.

Maule’s Quince is valued for its early spring blossoms and its ability to adapt to a variety of garden settings. It is often used in border plantings, as a low hedge, or even as a ground cover due to its spreading habit. The plant is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires moderate watering. While the fruit is similar to that of the true quince, Cydonia oblonga, and can be used in jellies and preserves, it is not as commonly harvested. Potential problems include fire blight and fungal diseases, and the plant may require pruning to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or diseased wood.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Orange, Pink, Red
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to Japan and China, typically found in thickets, hillsides, and open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Japanese Quince, Japanese Flowering Quince, Japanische Scheinquitte, Japanische Quitte, Membrillero Japonés, Cognassier Du Japon, Japanse Sierkwee, Marmeleiro-Do-Japão, Liten Rosenkvitten, 명자나무

Scientific Names: , Chaenomeles japonica, Chaenomeles ×superba, Pyrus japonica, Cydonia japonica, Chaenomeles japonica var. alpina, Chaenomeles maulei, Choenomeles japonica, Pyrus commutata, Sorbus japonica

GBIF Accepted Name: Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach