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CHAENOMELES x superba 'Jet Trail'

Image of Chaenomeles x superba 'Jet Trail'

JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University

Family

Rosaceae

Botanical Name

CHAENOMELES x superba 'Jet Trail'

Plant Common Name

Hybrid Flowering Quince, Jet Trail Flowering Quince

General Description

This compact, spreading flowering quince bears masses of angelic white flowers in spring. 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). 'Jet Trail' is a low growing, densely branched selection ideal for foundation plantings and small garden spaces. It even looks good cascading down stone retaining walls.

Clusters of bowl-shaped flowers cover this quince in early spring both before and after the glossy leaves emerge. The single blossoms are clear white 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

    3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m

  • Width

    5'-6' / 1.5m - 1.8m

  • 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

  • Tolerances

    Pollution

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Fruit Color

    Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    Yes

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Cutflower, Edging, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No