Japanese quince: what is it?

the japanese quince is a spring-flowering shrub, adorned with delicate flowers of color pink, white, red or Salmon. In fallit is covered with fruit, another advantage of this shrub.

Appellations

the quince from Japan, also called flowering quince or Chaenomeles in Latin, is part of the Rosaceae family (Rosaceae). We know of four species of which the Chaenomeles japonica, speciosa, thibetica and cathayensis.

Botanical description of Japanese quince

From February to May, the japanese quince carries small double or single flowers in various colors, white, pink, red or salmon, depending on the varieties grown. The popular flowers pollinating insects outstrip the foliage. Its branches are then covered with foliage obsolete and are covered in thorns so put on gloves whenever you have to handle it. In autumn, it produces very fragrant edible round fruits that are eaten only cooked, prepared in jams, fruit jellies, liqueurs or jellies.

Here are some varieties with amazing colors:

• Quince ‘Fire Dance’: with single red flowers;
• Quince ‘Yukigoten’: with white double flowers;
• Quince ‘Nivalis’: with simple white flowers;
• Quince ‘Mango Storm’: with salmon-coloured double flowers;
• Quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’: with single flowers with a gradation of pink;
• Quince ‘Pink Storm’: with double pink flowers.

Do not hesitate to mix the varieties to create flowering hedges in various colors.

Origins of the Japanese quince

As its name suggests, the Japanese quince is native to mountainous regions of Asia.

Japanese quince cultivation requirements

Whatever the soil, plant it in the spring or in the fall. Install it at Sun so that it produces a lot of flowers, even if a passing shade may be suitable. If you only have one balconya little city ​​garden or a Terrace, grow it in a large pot or container. Little care is needed for it to thrive. Water it the first two years and the rain will suffice thereafter. In regions with very hot summers, you can install a light mulching at the foot.

Every two or three years, do a little cut after flowering by cutting the damaged branches or which cross in the center to air it. Rapidly growing, do not hesitate to cut a few branches every year which destroy the shape of the shrub.

Hardy and resistant to temperatures down to -25°C, the Japanese quince does not require any special protection. Once planted, it is easy to live with.

Use of Japanese quince

It will do just as well alone in a pot or in the garden, in a hedge or as a decorative element in a flower bed. Associate it with spirea or forsythia to compose a flowering hedge. The quince lends itself easily to training on a trellis, along a Wall or a facade.
Pick a few branches to make an original spring bouquet, with a few tulips and narcissus. In the fall, place a few fruits in the kitchen for their fragrance and decorative shape.