Chaenomeles - Flowering Quince

(Chaenome'les)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of three hardy, deciduous shrubs from eastern Asia, commonly known as Flowering Quinces. These thorny shrubs are suitable for growing against walls, in borders and standing alone. Flowering Quinces are easily grown and are valued for their saucer-shaped blossoms, which may be red, pink, orange, or white and are followed by large, fragrant fruits. (The plant that is grown for its edible fruits is, Cydonia, the orchard Quince. Go see.) C. speciosa var. Geisha Girl is a medium-sized shrub with double, apricot-peach blossoms. C. speciosa var. Simonii is a gorgeous, dwarf shrub that bears semi-double, blood-red flowers. C. speciosa var. Nivalis is a medium-sized shrub that is grown for its pure white flowers. Other varieties will be mentioned below in the varieties section.

POTTING: Flowering Quinces can be grown in shady areas, though they flower best in sunny positions. They can be grown in well-drained, friable soil. When these shrubs are grown in the open, they need no pruning unless their branches become crowded. Shrubs grown along a wall should be pruned back right after flowering. The shoots of the previous year's growth should be cut back to two or three buds leaving a framework of main branches.

PROPAGATION: In the fall, the branches can be layered. Suckers may also be detached and planted when they appear around the base of the plant. Cuttings of firm, young shoots may be taken in the summer. Seeds may be sown in containers of sandy loam with a bit of peat, in a greenhouse or frame, in the spring. Named varieties, however, will not come true from seed.

VARIETIES: C. japonica; C. speciosa & var. Geisha Girl, Nivalis, Simonii, Toyo-Nishiki; C. superba & var. Crimson and Gold, Fire Dance, Jet Trail, Knap Hill Scarlet, Nicoline, Pink Lady, Texas Scarlet.

Go see DICTIONARY OF BOTANICAL NAMES.

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