Japanese Quince: A Vibrant Spring Flowering Shrub
Introduction
The Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) is a stunning shrub that adds a splash of color to your garden in early spring. Its bright orange-red flowers bloom for weeks, adorning its bare thorny stems. These flowers often develop into rounded green or yellow quinces, which can be used to make a delicious jelly.
Growing Japanese Quince
Japanese quince is an easy-to-grow shrub that thrives in virtually any soil. It can even be trained to grow up a shady wall, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
Pruning Japanese Quince
To encourage new growth and flowering, prune Japanese quince annually after it blooms. Remove any dead, diseased, or weak branches, as well as any that are crossing. Shorten new stems to two or three buds from the base and prune about 20% of older stems.
Propagating Japanese Quince
Japanese quince can be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering in autumn. Semi-ripe cuttings should be 10-15cm long with two sets of leaves. Remove the lowest set of leaves and stick the cutting into a pot of peat-free cuttings compost. Keep the cuttings in a propagator or cold frame until they have rooted.
Attracting Wildlife
Japanese quince is known for attracting bees, thanks to its nectar and pollen-rich flowers.
Toxicity
Japanese quince has no reported toxic effects, making it safe for birds, cats, dogs, horses, livestock, and people.
Companion Plants
Japanese quince pairs well with other plants that bloom in early spring, such as forsythia, daffodils, and tulips.
