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CHAENOMELES x superba

Image of Chaenomeles x superba

James H. Schutte

Family

Rosaceae

Botanical Name

CHAENOMELES x superba

Plant Common Name

Hybrid Flowering Quince

General Description

Hybrid flowering quince is a spiny, medium-sized, deciduous shrub known for its large spring flowers that come in an array of colors. Many favor this ornamental quince because it combines the most desirable features of its parent species, common flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa) and Japanese flowering quince (C. japonica). Its pretty spring blooms come in an array of colors and broad, spreading form and spiny branches make it useful for hedges or screening.

Clusters of bowl-shaped flowers cover this quince in early spring both before and after the glossy leaves emerge. Blossoms may be single or semi-double and come in shades of white, pink, salmon, orange or red. 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. There are many appealing cultivars to choose from including the thornless 'Pink Lady and 'Cameo' and the red-flowered, 'Hollandia', which blooms in both spring and fall. The winter branches of all can be brought indoors and forced into bloom.

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'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m

  • Width

    5'-6' / 1.5m - 1.8m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    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

    White, Red, Orange, Pink, Coral

  • Fruit Color

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • 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, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No