WSU Clark County Extension
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Flowering Quince

Scientific name: Chaenomeles speciosa
Taxonomy
Family:Rosaceae
Type:Deciduous shrubs
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 9
Plant Characteristics
Height:10 ft
Width:10 ft
Bloom:Winter flowers
Bloom Time:March
Bloom Color:Red
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Flowering quince is grown for its profusion of red, pink, or white flowers that herald the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Along with a stand of spring blooming crocus, a flowering quince bush makes a nice display when gardeners are eager for better weather.

  Morphology:
This species forms a deciduous shrub that grows 6’ to 10’ tall with similar spread forming a rounded, spreading, multi-stemmed plant. In March bloom appears before leaves emerge. Depending upon the cultivar, flowers can range from red to pink, even white. Flowers either appear alone or in clusters of 2-4. Once fully open flowers can be as large as 1.5” in diameter.

As the bloom fades leaves begin to emerge. The foliage is glossy green and arranged alternately on the stems. Leaves are 1.5” to 3.5” long. A pair of very conspicuous stipules appears with each leaf. Auxiliary buds form a spur shoot, with ends in a stem spine, which can make pruning a delicate matter. Some cultivars form yellowish green fruit, approximately 2” long, which ripen in the fall.

  Adaptation:
Flowering quince does best in full sun in order to promote flowering. It is tolerant of wide array of soil types. As new growth bears next year's flowers, some annual pruning is typically recommended. Suggested uses for this plant include specimen plant, border, barrier, hedge, and attracting wildlife. The cut branches are good for indoor flower arrangements.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234