Chaenomeles

Chaenomeles - Chinese Quince – Best Plants In New Zealand!

Growing colourful shrubs such as Chinese Quince in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used to provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Chaenomeles japonica, and the right one for your space. Our ornamental quince have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Chaenomeles, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Chaenomeles Questions

1. What is the English name for Chaenomeles?

The English name for Chaenomeles is Flowering Quince. It is a genus of deciduous or semi-evergreen shrubs native to eastern Asia. The flowering quince is known for its showy flowers, which bloom in a variety of colours, including red, pink, white, and yellow. The fruit of the flowering quince is edible, but it is tart and astringent when fresh. It is often used in cooking and baking to make jams, jellies, and pies.

Flowering Quince is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is relatively easy to care for and tolerates a variety of conditions. However, it is important to note that the flowering quince is thorny, so it should be planted with caution in areas where children or pets play.

2. Where is the best place to plant Chaenomeles?

The best place to plant Chaenomeles is in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it will flower best in full sun.

If you are planting Chaenomeles in a garden bed, be sure to choose a spot that is at least 2 m away from other plants, as the shrub can grow to be quite large, though it can be contained with trimming.

Here are some additional tips for planting Chaenomeles:

• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant.
• Amend the soil with compost or manure.
• Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, firming down gently to remove any air pockets.
• Water the plant thoroughly.

Once planted, be sure to water your Chaenomeles regularly, especially during the first growing season. You should also feed the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertiliser.

With proper care, your Chaenomeles will thrive for many years and provide you with a beautiful and rewarding addition to your garden.

3. What is the difference between Cydonia and Chaenomeles?

Cydonia and Chaenomeles are both genera of deciduous shrubs in the family Rosaceae. They are closely related, but there are some key differences between the two.

Cydonia

• Fruit is large and pear-shaped, with a hard, yellow flesh
• Leaves are large and oval-shaped, with a serrated margin
• Flowers are white or pink, and are borne in clusters

Chaenomeles

• Fruit is small and apple-shaped, with a hard, green flesh
• Leaves are small and elliptical-shaped, with a serrated margin
• Flowers are red, pink, or white, and are borne singly or in pairs

4. Can you eat the fruit of Chaenomeles?

Yes, the fruit of Chaenomeles (flowering quince) is edible, but it is tart and astringent when fresh. It is often used in cooking and baking to make jams, jellies, and pies. The fruit are often peeled and cored before cooking.

Here are some tips for cooking with Chaenomeles:

• Peel and core the fruit before cooking.
• Cut the fruit into small pieces.
• Cook the fruit with sugar and spices to taste.
• Add the fruit to jams, jellies, pies, stews, and curries.

Chaenomeles fruit is a good source of vitamin C and fibre. It also contains antioxidants and other nutrients.

5. Are Flowering Quince fast growing?

Flowering Quince are a relatively fast-growing shrub. They typically grow at 50-70 cm per year and can reach its mature height of 2-3 m in 3-5 years. Flowering quince is a popular choice for homeowners because it is easy to grow and care for, and it produces beautiful flowers in the spring.

6. Do Chaenomeles like sun or shade?

While Chaenomeles can tolerate a range of light conditions, they definitely have a preference for full sun. With at least six hours of direct sunlight daily they will:

• Produce masses of vibrant flowers.
• The leaves grow lush and green, adding visual appeal and enhancing the overall health of the shrub.
• If your Chaenomeles variety bears fruit, full sun promotes optimal fruit development and flavour.

Chaenomeles can still perform well in partial shade, with some minor drawbacks:

• You might see slightly fewer flowers, but the display will still be attractive.
• The plant may grow a bit slower and the foliage might not be as dense as in full sun.
• Fruit production might be slightly lower, but not significantly impacted in most cases.

Avoid planting Chaenomeles in deep shade altogether as the plants will struggle to flower or fruit, and have weak growth that is often leggy.

7. Are Chaenomeles poisonous to dogs?

Chaenomeles, also known as flowering quince, are not considered toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. They list Chaenomeles as non-toxic, alongside other common plants like roses, lavender, and juniper.