Japanese flowering quince - Chaenomeles japonica (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Japanese flowering quince

Also known as: Maule's quince

Japanese flowering quince is an easy-care plant that is known for its beautiful spring blooms and apple-shaped fruit. It grows to a small shrub and is also popular as a bonsai plant. When left raw the fruit of the quince is very tart and often too hard to eat, but it can be cooked and used for jams and jellies.

Scientific classification

Species

Japanese flowering quince (Chaenomeles japonica)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

60 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

90 cm to 2 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 4 cm

Flower Size

Yellow, Green

Fruit Color

Red, Orange, White, Pink

Flower Color

Green, Silver, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Japanese flowering quince

Distribution of Japanese flowering quince

Distribution Map

Japanese flowering quince originates in East Asia and is found growing in Japan’s mountain forests. It is a widely cultivated plant, distributed throughout sunny gardens in the United States, Europe, and across Asia.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Japanese flowering quince is a popular shrub that is mainly grown for its abundant clusters of showy red flowers that bloom in the spring. This is a good plant to grow in wall-side borders and informal and cottage gardens. It can be planted in mixed shrub borders or as a flowering hedge. It partners well with gold spirea and hellebores.

Symbolism

Luck, Prosperity, Good Fortune, Love

Name Story

Japanese quince: This plant is famous for its colorful flowers in spring and its fruit is golden apple-shaped. The modern name is originated in the 14th century as a plural form of quoyn, via Old French cooin and from latin, cotoneum malum. Ultimately, it is derived from Greek, kydonion melon which means "Kydonian apple". As it is originated from Japan, it is called Japanese quince.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Japanese flowering quince, including the following common varieties :

Flowering quince 'Rowallane'Flowering quince 'Coral Sea'Flowering quince 'Pink Lady'Flowering quince 'Cameo'Flowering quince 'Jet Trail'Flowering quince 'Nicoline'Flowering quince 'Lemon and Lime'Flowering quince 'Texas Scarlet'

Quickly Identify Japanese flowering quince

Thorny branches form a dense thicket.

Vibrant cup-shaped flowers attract pollinators.

Small apple-like fruits with greenish-yellow skin.

Dark green, glossy leaves with serrated margins.

Sturdy, gnarled stems with small thorns.

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Care Guide for Japanese flowering quince

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Japanese flowering quince thrives in cool temperate regions, adapting to low water availability and moderate humidity. Watering should be balanced at intervals of 1-2 weeks. As a deciduous plant, its water needs are linked to seasonal leaf shedding, promoting strong spring growth after dormancy.

Fertilize: Japanese flowering quince benefitting from balanced fertilizers in spring, should transition to high nitrogen fertilizers in summer to enhance flowering and fruiting. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during growth, adjusting for seasons. Apply evenly around the base to prevent burn, ensuring optimal vibrancy and productivity.

Pruning: Japanese flowering quince is a deciduous shrub that blooms beautifully in early spring. To ensure its health and shape, prune after flowering, removing dead wood and thinning interior branches. This promotes air circulation and bushier growth. Annual pruning is recommended to enhance flowering and minimize pests.

Propagation: Japanese flowering quince is an ornamental shrub known for its spring blossoms, best propagated via softwood cuttings (4-6 inches) taken in early summer. Using rooting hormone and maintaining moisture encourages root growth. Young plants need regular watering and a gradual transition before permanent planting.

Repotting: Japanese flowering quince, a deciduous shrub, requires repotting every 2-3 years during late winter dormancy. Use a larger pot with well-draining soil and maintain consistent watering to prevent root rot. Proper care enhances blooming and overall growth in this beautiful plant.

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Images of Japanese flowering quince

Distribution of Japanese flowering quince

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Japanese flowering quince

Care Guide for Japanese flowering quince

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