Chaenomeles or Flowering Quince

The flowering quinces have been grown since the Victorian era, mainly for the flowers alothough some varieties for the fruit as well. The original species in the UK was Chaenomeles speciosa, however this was followed by Chaenomeles japonica and then hybridisation commenced to give us Chaenomeles x superba.

Chaenomeles cathayensis has the largest fruit of the genus, attractive pink flowers with a flush of white. The fruit can be cooked and used for preserves.

Chaenomeles is a fairly compact shrub, grown for the fantastic winter flowers on bare branches. They are easy care and very hardy . Flowers that appear on bare wood before the foliage in early spring. Foliage dark green and glossy.

Care

Try a humus rich soil in a sunny to semi shaded position. These plants are native to China, frost hardy and easily pruned to keep in shape

Varieties

• Chaenomeles x superba 'Jet Trail' is a wonderful white flowering variety.
• Chaenomeles speciosa 'Moerloosie' has apple blossom pink flowers.

You can find Chaenomeles for sale at the folowing nurseries

TAN-Y-LLYN Nurseries
Meifod Powys SY22 6YB - ph: 01938 500370