Flowering Quince

(Chaenomeles speciosa)

Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Chaenomeles speciosa, commonly known as flowering quince, is a thorny deciduous shrub native to woodland margins, thickets, and slopes in eastern Asia, particularly in China. It typically grows to about 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) tall and is noted for its tangled, spiny branches. The species is often confused with C. japonica, but is generally taller. Flowering quince produces a profusion of blossoms in shades of red, white, or pink, with the red being most common. The flowers are quite showy and appear early in the season, sometimes as early as midwinter, depending on the climate. The fruit is a hard, fragrant pome resembling a true quince, though it is not commonly eaten fresh due to its astringency.

Flowering quince is valued for its early blooms, which can bring color to the garden when little else is flowering. It is often used as an informal low hedge or in mixed borders for its attractive flowers and branching structure. The plant is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage, and it can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. While it is generally easy to maintain, it may require pruning to shape and to remove dead or tangled branches. Flowering quince can suffer from fungal diseases such as apple scab and fire blight, and may also be prone to scale insects and mites.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 6-10 feet
  • Width: 6-10 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Red
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

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, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Woodland margins, thickets, and slopes in eastern Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Chinese Quince, Flowering-Quince, Japanese Quince, Chinese Sierkwee, Stor Rosenkvitten, Boke, Mu Gua, Myeongjanamu, Tie Geng Hai Tang, Zhou Pi Mu Gua, Scheinquitte

Scientific Names: , Chaenomeles speciosa, Chaenomeles lagenaria, Cydonia speciosa, Cydonia lagenaria, Choenomeles speciosa, Choenomeles lagenaria, Pyrus speciosa, Chaenomeles angustifolia, Chaenomeles cardinalis

GBIF Accepted Name: Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai