In The Garden Now ... Flowering Quince

Flowering Quince

Japanese Flowering Quince

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

Flowering Quince is the first flowering shrub I really took notice of as a new homeowner many years ago. Our next door neighbor had a large coral flowered shrub that produced tons of glorious blossoms in late winter. The fact that the flower color was so intense and that the shrub bloomed when so little else was out there really got my attention. My dear neighbor told me that she had planted it as a young bride what would have been some 65 years ago by now. The shrub is still there blooming exuberantly each winter into spring.

This is an easy to grow, nearly indestructible plant. But, it does need sun to flourish. There are many varieties available in different sizes and colors. Clusters of flowers are produced in shades of red, pink or white and plants range in size from 3 feet to over 8 feet in height. Flowers are followed by yellow fruit that can be harvested and is often added to jams and jellies. The shrub next door grows in a sloped open area near the street where it gets very little attention and only the water that mother nature delivers.

Flowering Quince are “armed” so beware when you are pruning or cutting some of those gorgeous budded or in flower branches for indoor display. They do make great cut flowers and budded branches will open indoors after cutting. Sometimes buds will open in a day or two or it might take a week or more to bring them into full bloom … but it’s worth the wait!

If you spot a Flowering Quince in the neighborhood, watch for Hummingbirds nearby. They are especially fond of the red flowered varieties. Here’s one for Anna’s Hummingbird …. one of our favorite year round birds!

(Botanical Name: Chaenomeles speciosa)

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Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.