Japanese flowering quince shrubs (Chaenomeles spp.) are a heritage ornamental plant with a brief, but memorably dramatic, floral display. Flowering quince plants light up the spring for a few weeks with a blaze of colorful blooms. This species is an old one, and has been cultivated in Asia for thousands of years. A member of the rose family, it arrived in the United States in the 1800’s, a favorite on farms because of its edible fruit. It helps that flowering quince care is easy and doesn’t take up much of a gardener’s time.
Japanese Flowering Quince Shrubs
Today, most American gardeners who are growing Japanese flowering quince do so for the spring blossoms. The bright flowers erupt into bloom in March or April in vibrant shades of pink, white, orange or red that only last a few weeks. Some cultivars offer a few flowers again in autumn. Various species and cultivars exist, but the common flowering quince plants are most commonly planted. Common Japanese flowering quince shrubs grow to 10 feet (3 m.) tall and equally wide. They are thorned plants, so they serve well in a defensive hedge or along a property borderline. Although the fruits of flowering quince plants are edible, the fruit is very tart. You can make a jelly from the quince fruit, or simply leave a fruit in the house to provide a piquant fragrance. This shrub also differs from the quince fruit tree, which is commonly grown for its fruit.
How to Care for a Japanese Flowering Quince
Those who want to know how to care for a Japanese flowering quince are happy to learn that these are easy-care plants. They tolerate urban conditions and withstand drought stress. Growing Japanese flowering quince is not difficult, since these shrubs are tough and undemanding. They grow in sun or partial shade and accept most soils other than very wet ones. They will grow faster and bloom better if you provide irrigation during dry periods. The shrubs form compact and virtually impenetrable hedges. They are perfect territory for sheltering bird nests and the homes of other small wildlife. The most difficult task in flowering quince care is pruning a bush planted in too small a location to accommodate its full, mature size. On the other hand, flowering quince do accept severe pruning without problem, so don’t hesitate to cut the shrub down to the size you want.
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FAQs
Growing Japanese flowering quince is not difficult, since these shrubs are tough and undemanding. They grow in sun or partial shade and accept most soils other than very wet ones. They will grow faster and bloom better if you provide irrigation during dry periods.
How much sun does Japanese quince need? ›
Location is crucial for your Japanese Flowering Quince. For optimal flowering, ensure it gets at least 5 hours of direct sunlight. Avoid the midday sun, which can be too harsh. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade often hits the sweet spot.
What do you feed a flowering quince? ›
Feed flowering quince with a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring before new growth occurs, or apply compost as a soil amendment.
What fertilizer for Japanese quince? ›
Maximize your Quince's blooms 🌸 with timely fertilizer tips for vibrant results. Balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer recommended for vibrant blooms. Fertilize in spring and taper in fall to match growth and flowering stages. Watch for over-fertilization signs like yellowing leaves and leaf burn.
How do I make my flowering quince bloom? ›
If you want to stimulate flowering, wait until after it has finished flowering and use a sharp pair of bypass hand pruners or loppers to prune, this pruning will stimulate new growth of flowering spurs which will increase blooms the following year.
What is the difference between Japanese quince and quince? ›
The Japanese quince fruit looks like the true quince -Cydonia oblonga- only much smaller, with a more round shape, looking more like an apple. The skin and flesh are hard, with an astringent taste. They are even more astringent than the true quince.
Do quince plants spread? ›
Quinces have a tendency to spread by sending up suckering shoots from the base. These should be removed if you don't want plants to spread outward.
Does quince bloom all summer? ›
Flowering Quince, Chaenomeles speciosa, is one of the first to greet us with a burst of color. In the Southeast, this unassuming shrub blooms delightfully anytime from January through March.
Where is the best place to plant a flowering quince? ›
Choose a warm, sunny, sheltered spot, as the flowers open early so are susceptible to frost damage, and sun is needed for the fruit to ripen. Avoid planting in a spot prone to late frosts.
Will Japanese quince grow in shade? ›
Incredibly easy to grow, Japanese quince will tolerate most soil types and aspects, including shade, which makes them invaluable for brightening dull corners of the garden and being a wide-spreading shrub with thorny branches, it makes a perfect security hedge to deter unwanted visitors.
This plant spreads by suckers. Removing them will help control spread it that is not desired.
What is a companion plant for flowering quince? ›
One of the better companions for flowering quince is forsythia. The golden blooms arrive just about the same time as the quince flowers and the yellow color really makes the quince's pink-red blooms stand out. Both have similar growing zones as well as soil and moisture requirements.
Do hummingbirds like flowering quince? ›
Hummingbirds are also attracted to a number of shrubs and vines such as azaleas, butterfly bush, wiegela, flowering currant, flowering quince, and honeysuckle.
How do you rejuvenate quince flowers? ›
This is done in early spring by removing two or three of the plants largest canes to the ground. Repeat this process each year over a three year period to re-invigorate old plants. Please be aware, however, that renewal pruning will reduce the number of blooms for that year.
How often do you water a quince flower? ›
Flowering Quince needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn't get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0" pot. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Where to plant a Japanese quince? ›
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.
