Chaenomeles spp. - Flowering Quince (Rosaceae) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chaenomeles is a functional flowering hedge, border, Twigs or specimen shrub that can be used near buildings. -buds small and reddish in color The major appeal of Flowering Quince is its showy -lightly armed (terminal and axillary spines) but brief flowering period. The rest of the year it’s a -young bark is reddish and cherry-like utilitarian thorny shrub with limited aesthetic Trunk attributes. -gray brown -many small diameter stems closely crowded, arising FEATURES from the ground Form -large shrubs USAGE 2-6' tall Function -vased shaped -sun tolerant, long-lived shrub habit with -useful as a hedge or barrier many small Texture diameter -medium in foliage and when bare stems Assets -1:1 height to -urban tolerant width ratio -withstand severe pruning -rapid growth -drought tolerant Culture -early spring flowers -full sun -dense growth and long-lived -adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions -lightly armed for effective "crowd control" -thrives under stressful conditions Liabilities -moderate availability -poor autumn color Foliage -trash can accumulate among its many small diameter -alternate, lanceolate stems (maintenance headache) -serrate margins -prone to cosmetic damage by insects -somewhat leathery -sheds foliage in summer in response to drought or -to 4" long disease pressure -leafy, kidney-shaped stipules (an ID feature) Habitat -summer color is dense medium green and attractive, -Zones 4 to 8, depending on species new growth often bronze -Native to the Orient (China, Japan) -autumn color yellowish green SELECTIONS Alternates -urban tolerant shrub with vase-shaped winter form (e.g. Berberis thunbergii, Berberis x mentorensis, Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound' etc.) -early spring flowering shrubs (e.g. Forsythia cultivars, Fothergilla, Viburnum carlesii, etc.) Cultivars – Variants – Related species Two species are commonly available in the trade, each in various cultivars: -C. speciosa – Common Flowering Quince - shrub to 6 ' tall; many cultivars, but the most commonly sold in Ohio are: Flowers -'Cameo' - peachy pink flowers that appear in early -prominent in early spring (Apr.) before foliage May before the leaves -solitary or clustered -'Jet Trail' - a white flowering sport of 'Texas Scarlet' -borne all along stem and a bit more thorny -white to pink to red to orange; ornamental display -'Texas Scarlet' - fiery scarlet flowers, shiny green can be quite spectacular, though brief (1-2 weeks) foliage, almost thornless -1" diameter with five petals -C. japonica – Japanese Flowering Quince - shrub to Fruits 2-3' tall, weed prone due to reduced stature, many -large apple-like fruit that is green to yellow in color cultivars -2-3" diameter -rarely present (plants often self-sterile).