March Shrub of the Month-Flowering Quince
One of the first shrubs to bloom in early spring is an old-fashioned favorite rarely seen in new gardens: flowering quince. Not to be confused with edible quince, Cydonia oblonga, the two most popular flowering quince species in our area are Chaenomeles japonica and C. speciosa, or the hybrid resulting from crossing those two species: Chaenomeles x speciosa.
Some cultivars like ‘Low’ n White’ or ‘pygmaeus’ stay short, under 2′, but you’ll occasionally find a specimen in the older neighborhoods topping out around 6-8′ high and wide. The older, larger versions can be densely branched monsters that benefit from regular light pruning right after flowering unless fruit is desired. (Some cultivars are sterile, so research!) The pear-like fruits of flowering quince are bitter when raw but can be used in preserves or jellies.
Newer cultivars are more compact with colors ranging from white and pastel pink or peach, like ‘Cameo’, to hot yellow, orange, and red, such as ‘Texas Scarlet’—research not only for bloom color, but also for size.
Flowering quince is in the Rosaceae family, which usually means lots of pests and diseases. Fireblight, fungal leaf spot, and aphids are some of the more common issues; however, quince is drought tolerant, and hardy once established. Full sun to part shade is preferred, with the best flowering and shape in full sun.
Flowering quince can be forced indoors by cutting a few branches and arranging them in a water-filled vase or glass for an early dose of spring, even if the snow is flying outside.
What I like about this plant;
-Beautiful flowers resemble camellias or roses that are available in multiple colors.
-Early spring blooms when not much else is in flower.
-Many compact cultivars to choose from for smaller gardens.
-Old-fashioned, sentimental favorite.
What’s not so great;
–Blooms on old wood, usually along the inner branches, sometimes making the flowers harder to see.
-Prone to multiple diseases and pests.
-Quinces have thorns, but thornless cultivars are available, like the Double-Take series that comes in white, peach, or red.
-Can become a large, unruly shrub if left to its own devices. Keep it in check or use a compact cultivar.
Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com
Words and photos by Jo Batzer
© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2025, All rights reserved.
