Common Floweringquince
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size 6-10' tall and wide, but quite variable with some getting larger and most cultivars staying smaller. Medium growth rate.

Native Range

Species native to China, cultivated in Japan and introduced before 1800.

Flower and Fruit Details

Perfect, 5-petaled flowers with 40-60 stamens. Scarlet to red color is variable, sometimes pink and white. Flowers can be single or double in form. Each flower 1.5-1.75" diameter, borne solitary or 2-4 in a cluster. Very showy when in full flower. Pome fruits, 2-2.5" long and wide, yellowish-green, ripening in October. Fruits are quite bitter, but can be cooked and sweetened for use in preserves and jellies.

Leaf and Bark Features

Simple leaves, alternately arranged, 1.5-3.5" long. Bronzy red when unfolding, eventually becoming glossy dark green above. No fall color. Brownish bark, often slightly pubescent, has thorns.

Culture and Care

Performs well in dry situations, in full sun or partial shade. Best flowering in sun. Prune after flowering. Occasional rejuvenation may be needed, by elimination of older branches or cutting the whole plant to within 6" of the ground. Zones 4-8(9). Leaf spots result in premature defoliation, abundant rainfall in the spring and early summer can cause 50-75% defoliation. Aphids are prevalent on young stems and foliage.

Suggested Uses

Often used as a hedge, shrub border, and groupings. The excellent flower display, which lasts only for a short while, has led to this plant being perhaps overused in the landscape.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA