Flowering Quince
Flowering quince is a group of three hardy, deciduous shrubs: Native to eastern Asia, flowering quince is related to the orchard quince (Cydonia oblonga), which is grown for its edible fruit, and the Chinese quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis). Flowering quince is often referred to as Japanese quince (this name correctly refers only to C. japonica).
Japonica is often used regardless of species, and flowering quince is still called Japonica by gardeners all over the world. The most commonly cultivated are the hybrid . Popular cultivars include ¡®Texas Scarlet,¡¯ a 3-foot-tall plant with red blooms; ¡®Cameo,¡¯ a double, pinkish shrub to five feet tall; and ¡®Jet Trail,¡¯ a white shrub to 3 feet tall. |
Flowering quince is hardy to USDA Zone 4 and is a popular ornamental shrub in both Europe and North America. It is grown primarily for its bright flowers, which may be red, pink, orange, or white. The flowers are 1 to 2 inches in diameter, with five petals, and bloom in late winter or early spring. The glossy dark green leaves appear soon after flowering and turn yellow or red in autumn. The edible quince fruit is yellowish-green with reddish blush and speckled with small dots. The fruit is 2 to 4 inches in diameter, fragrant, and ripens in fall. |