Chaenomeles speciosa, flowering quince
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Deciduous Shrubs

Chaenomeles speciosa

flowering quince

RosaceaeCentral and eastern China

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)
Width6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Hummingbirds
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancelow

Overview

Chaenomeles speciosa (flowering quince) is a thorny, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to China, reaching 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) tall and 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) wide in an upright to arching mound. It is among the earliest-blooming hardy shrubs in Pacific Northwest gardens, producing showy five-petaled flowers in January through March — often beginning before the end of winter — on bare branches before the leaves emerge. The flower color varies widely by cultivar: the straight species bears scarlet-red flowers, but named selections span orange-red, coral, salmon, deep pink, pale pink, and white, with single and double forms. Each flower 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across resembles a small rose or apple blossom. After flowering, glossy dark green serrated leaves emerge and the shrub develops a somewhat tangled, spiny structure through summer. In fall, small aromatic yellowish-green to yellow fruits 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) develop — resembling small quince and too astringent to eat raw, but excellent for jam, jelly, and marmalade due to their high pectin content. The thorny interlocking stems make the shrub effective as an impenetrable informal hedge or barrier planting. It can also be trained flat against a south- or west-facing wall (espalier) for maximum early-season floral display in confined spaces.

Native Range

Native to central and eastern China in open woodlands and scrub. Introduced to European and North American horticulture in the late 18th century.

Suggested Uses

Excellent as an early-season flowering specimen, informal hedge, or barrier planting — the interlocking thorny stems create an impenetrable barrier for deer and unwanted access while providing maximum floral impact in January through March. Highly effective espalier against south- or west-facing walls, amplifying the display and making the most of confined spaces. The fragrant fruits in fall are useful for jam, jelly, and marmalade. Provides critical early-season nectar for hummingbirds and early pollinators. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established.

How to Identify

Identified in late winter and early spring by showy five-petaled flowers 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across in scarlet, orange, pink, or white appearing on bare, spiny brown stems before the leaves — often visible in January and February. The thorny, densely branching multi-stemmed habit is distinctive. Glossy, alternate, oval to oblong leaves with finely serrated margins emerge after flowering. In fall, small aromatic yellowish-green fruits 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) resembling miniature quince develop. Distinguished from Chaenomeles japonica (dwarf flowering quince) by larger size and from true quince (Cydonia oblonga) by thorny stems and smaller fruits.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread6' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red
orange
pink
white

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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Spring
Blooms January through March in Pacific Northwest gardens, often beginning mid-January in mild winters — one of the earliest-flowering hardy shrubs. Flowers appear on bare branches before leaf-out and last 4–6 weeks. Occasional scattered flowers may appear in fall. The early bloom is an important nectar source for overwintering hummingbirds and early bumblebees.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

scarlet-red (species); cultivars range from orange-red, coral, salmon, pink, and white

Foliage Description

glossy dark green in summer

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysandchalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

4-6 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Flowering quince is tough and adaptable, tolerating a wide range of soil types and conditions. Thrives in full sun, which produces the heaviest flowering; tolerates part shade but with reduced bloom. Drought-tolerant once established. Avoid excessively fertile soils, which promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Established shrubs require minimal irrigation. The thorny interlocking structure can become very dense over time — thin out older stems every few years to maintain vigor and air circulation. Chlorosis (yellowing foliage) may occur in highly alkaline soils; treat with acidifying fertilizer. Note: contact with the thorns can cause skin irritation — wear sturdy gloves when pruning.

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering (March through April) before the new growth hardens — this preserves the following year's flower buds, which form on old wood. Remove oldest, most congested stems at the base to open up the shrub and stimulate vigorous new growth with maximum flowers. Light shaping can be done after flowering. Avoid major pruning in late summer, fall, or winter as this removes next season's buds. For espalier or wall-trained specimens, tie in new stems after flowering and remove unwanted growth.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic