Flowering Quince

The Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles japonica) is a small shrub reaching only a mature height of 2-4 feet and width of 3-5 feet. Recommended for USDA growing zones 5-9, it’s tolerant to heat and also cold temperatures down to -10 degrees. They produce flowers that can be red, pink and even a coral-orange color. As the blooms age, the flowers will deepen in color. You’ll love the beautiful blooms in your garden during the late winter and early spring when everything else is still dormant. In addition to the vibrant flowers, the Flowering Quince also produces small, tart fruits that often resemble crabapples. At first they are pale-green and will ripen into red and can be used in jellies and jams.

Location: Choose a location where your plant will receive plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. It tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers a pH of 3.7 to 7.0 and does not do well in alkaline soil. They have the ability to withstand strong winds so they’re a great candidate for creating a hedge or border if a wind breaker is needed.

Planting Directions:
1) Dig a hole for your Quince that’s three times as wide and equal in depth as the root ball.
2) Remove your plant from its original container, position into the hole ensuring that it’s standing upright and the top of the root ball is even with the ground.
3) Begin backfilling the hole, tamping down lightly as you go.
4) Once the hole has been completely filled, give your plant a deep watering to allow the soil to settle and eliminate any air pockets.
5) Apply a 3-5 inch layer of mulch around the plant to help enrich the soil as well as conserve moisture and control grass/weeds from growing.

Watering: The Flowering Quince is a drought tolerant plant that requires a deep watering about once a week. Be sure to provide extra water while the plant is establishing and also in times of extreme heat/drought. It’s important to water these plants in the morning and at the base. Excess water on the leaves can lead to issues with fungus.

Fertilization: Apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring before new growth emerges. Follow up with a deep watering to allow the fertilizer to penetrate into the roots. Be sure to follow the application instructions on the fertilizer.

Pests and Diseases: While they tend to be fairly disease and pest resistant, problems with scale, mites and aphids can arise. They can be sprayed off with a hose and then treated with neem oil.

Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed for these plants. Any diseased or broken branches can be pruned back in spring before new growth begins.