How to Grow Flowering Quince

Looks can be deceiving with the flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa). Most of the year this shrub is a mass of tangled, thorny branches with mundane foliage. But, in spring the beast becomes a beauty with showy single or double blossoms. In October we are rewarded with apple-like fruit that makes a great marmalade or jelly. Add this fairy tale shrub to your garden by following these easy steps.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Flowering quince
• Shovel
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material
• Knife or garden shears

1. Determine a planting site. For best flowering, select a site that has full sun. Partial shade is also acceptable. Flowering quince can be transplanted into almost any soil, but avoid extremely wet or alkaline types. Good drainage is always important.

2. Prepare the shrub for planting. Flowering quince shrubs can be found balled-and-burlapped at many nurseries and garden centers. Cut all twine and wire from the branches and rootball. Burlap should be trimmed to half the height of the rootball. Remove all plastic or other synthetic materials. If planting is delayed after purchase, keep the shrub well-watered.

3. Dig the planting hole. The planting hole should be dug 2 to 3 times the width of the shrub's rootball and equal in depth. Gradually slope the sides outward from the bottom of the hole. When planted, the top of the rootball should be level with the surrounding ground.

4. Position the shrub and water in. Place the flowering quince at the bottom of the hole and stabilize by adding a small portion of the original soil around the base of the rootball. "Water in" the shrub by filling the planting hole with water and allow the rootball and surrounding soil to absorb. Backfill the remaining soil and water again thoroughly.

5. Dress the planting area. Spread a layer of mulch 2 to 4 inches deep around the flowering quince and planting area. Mulching or "dressing" the site helps to minimize maintenance by preventing weeds and retaining moisture and gives a finished appearance to the garden.

Tips & Warnings

• The flowering quince is an easy to grow rounded, deciduous shrub that can be successfully planted in Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. It grows to a height of 8 to 10 feet and equally as wide.

• There are many varieties of flowering quince available with blooms that range from white tinged with pink to scarlet red. Check with your local nursery for quince that are available in your area.

• The tangled branches and thorns of the flowering quince make it an excellent security barrier plant. The shrub can also be espaliered (trained to grow against a wall) and is a popular bonsai choice.

• Pruning the quince encourages better blooming and helps to keep the tangled branches under control.

• Blooming time of the flowering quince differs depending on your zone. In the deep South, quince may bloom as early as January. In the north, blooming occurs in midspring. Flowers emerge before the leaves and hold their bloom until the leaves are completely expanded. Cut branches in winter to force their blooming indoors.