Chaenomeles japonica ( Japanese Quince ) is a thorny deciduous shrub native to Japan and China. Japanese Quinces produce beautiful red, pink and white flowers making it an ideal feature tree. They also grow a pear-like fruit that are often used in pies, jams, and liquor. In its native Japan, this species is a popular choice for bonsai growers.
As a fruit, it’s a poor substitute for Quince (Cydonia oblonga).
Flowering occurs in early spring and is one of the first to bring bees back into the garden. The flowers bloom for a relatively short period of around 3 weeks.
Other common names include Maule’s Quince, Japanese Flowering Quince, and Chinese Quince.
Growth
Chaenomeles japonica is a short, densely branched shrub that only reaches about 1 metre (3 feet) high and 2 metres (6-7 feet) wide. Japanese Quince trees produce more flowers in full sun but can tolerate being in some shade. During spring the flowers attract a wide range of beneficial insects with a sweet, scented pollen. Flowers are hermaphrodite and contain both male and female organs which are pollinated by bees.
From seed, Japanese Quince trees will grow apple-shaped fruit of a golden-yellow colour within 3-5 years. They prefer a temperate climate that will force them into dormancy over winter. When dormant they can tolerate sub-zero temperatures. Can be shaped to suit a hedge or to be grown in a pot.
When planted outdoors Japanese Quinces will grow new shoots from the base of the tree and can spread if they aren’t trimmed off. These root suckers also take energy and nutrients from the tree and can stifle overall growth.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Rosaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-25 to 30°C / -13 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, rich and well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 2 metres (6-7 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Bees
MATURITY:
3-5 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
50-70%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold stratification for 6-8 weeks, germination from 3-4 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 12
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT CHAENOMELES JAPONICA (Japanese Quince)
The fruit is called Kusa-boke in Japan and is mixed with sugar and alcohol to create a liquor.
Japanese Quince trees can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C/-13°F.
