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CHAENOMELES x superba 'Cameo'

Image of Chaenomeles x superba 'Cameo'

James Burghardt

Family

Rosaceae

Botanical Name

CHAENOMELES x superba 'Cameo'

Plant Common Name

Cameo Flowering Quince, Hybrid Flowering Quince

General Description

The compact 'Cameo' bears masses of double peachy pink flowers in spring and has nearly thornless branches, unlike other flowering quince. This deciduous shrub is most attractive when in bloom but does produce some marginally attractive yellow fruits in fall. Many favor hybrid flowering quince because it combines the most desirable features of its parent species, common flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa) and Japanese flowering quince (C. japonica). 'Cameo' is a short, densely branched selection ideal for informal hedges and foundation plantings.

Clusters of bowl-shaped flowers cover this quince in early spring both before and after the glossy leaves emerge. The double blossoms are peach-pink and attract bees and other early insect pollinators. The simple leaves emerge slightly bronze in spring and turn dark green as the season progresses. Edible, yellow-green, apple-shaped fruits ripen in the fall and may be made into preserves or jelly. Birds also enjoy the fruits.

The tough and adaptable hybrid flowering quince accepts a wide range of growing conditions but grows best in full sun and well-drained, acid to neutral loam. Periods of winter cold are needed for good flowering and fruit set. Spring buds are often damaged by cold in its northernmost zones. This fine landscape shrub combines well with other early-bloomers, such as forsythias and early bulbs.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m

  • Width

    5'-5' / 1.5m - 1.5m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Pink, Peach

  • Fruit Color

    Yellow, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Yellow Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Double

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    Yes

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Cutflower, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No