Dwarf Quince, Flowering Quince
Chaenomeles x superba
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Salmon. Main Bloom Time: Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Spreading or horizontal.
Chaenomeles x superba is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from February to June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Not known in the wild.
A hybrid of garden origin, C. japonica x C. speciosa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia,
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - very harsh and acid raw but fragrant when cooked. Used for jams, jellies etc and as a flavouring with cooked apples. The fruit can be apple or pear-shaped and up to 6cm long x 6cm wide.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
Plants can be grown to make a medium sized hedge. Some cultivars, such as 'Crimson and Gold' produce suckers prolifically and are suitable for ground cover.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Erosion control, Ground cover, Massing, Woodland garden. Easily cultivated in any reasonably good soil. Prefers a deep moist well-drained loam. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates full shade but requires a sunny position for best fruit production. Becomes chlorotic on very alkaline soils. Tolerates atmospheric pollution. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties. A good bee plant, flowering early in the year and providing pollen and nectar. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features:Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is branching: a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out .
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sheltered position outdoors or in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in February in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 6 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. If well grown, these seedling can be large enough to plant out in the summer, but give them some protection in their first winter. Otherwise plant them out in late spring of the following year. This species is a hybrid and so will not breed true from seed. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Easy. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, November in a cold frame. Layering in late spring or in autumn. This is a sure and easy method, though it takes 12 months.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-8
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist