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Flowering Shrub
Chaenomeles, Genus, japonica, Species,
- Genus & species
Japanese quince
Overview
Chaenomeles japonica is a low, dense, deciduous shrub that grows 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 m) tall and 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) wide, with a spreading to mounded habit and thorny, interlaced branches. Leaves are obovate to oval, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, with finely toothed margins, glossy dark green, and borne alternately. Flowers are cup-shaped, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across, five-petaled, orange-red to brick red, and open on bare stems in early spring before leaves expand. Fruits are rounded, apple-like pomes 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across, ripening from green to yellow in fall, hard, strongly scented, and astringent when raw. The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 4–8 and tolerates poor soil, heat, and short dry periods once established. Branches carry 0.5–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) thorns, and plants sucker to form thickets. Fire blight, apple scab, and leaf spots affect plants in humid climates.
Native Range
Chaenomeles japonica is native to Japan, where it grows on sunny slopes and in open thickets. It has been cultivated in Europe and North America since the late 18th century and is a parent of the hybrid C. ×superba.Suggested Uses
Chaenomeles japonica is used as a low hedge, barrier planting, and border shrub with spacing of 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) between plants. Fruits are cooked into jelly, preserves, and syrup, and flowering stems are cut for forcing indoors in late winter.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Chaenomeles japonica blooms in early to mid spring, typically March to April, on bare stems before leaves expand, with flowers lasting 3–4 weeks. Buds form on old wood in the previous year. Flowers are visited by bees, and late frosts damage open flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Orange-red to brick redFoliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Chaenomeles japonica grows in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct light, in well-drained soil of pH 5.5–6.5, and tolerates clay, sand, and poor soil. Established plants tolerate short dry periods, and 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water weekly is applied in the first 2 years. Hardiness is USDA zones 4–8. Flowering is reduced in shade of more than 3 hours. Fire blight, apple scab, and leaf spots occur in humid weather, and aphids and scale insects feed on stems. Suckers spread from the base, and thorns complicate maintenance near paths.Pruning
Pruning takes place immediately after flowering, since flower buds form on old wood. One-third of the oldest stems are cut to the base every 2–3 years, and suckers are removed to limit spread. Plants regrow from old wood after cutting to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm). Thorns remain sharp on cut stems.Pruning Schedule
Prune: April–May
late spring
