10 Seeds Chaenomeles japonica Flowering Quince Deciduous Shrub Hardy Ornamental

Chaenomeles japonica, commonly known as Japanese flowering quince, is a deciduous shrub grown for its early-season blooms and compact, spreading form. It produces clusters of cup-shaped flowers in shades of orange-red and pinkish tones that appear on bare stems before the foliage emerges, making it a striking accent in mixed borders, hedges, and cottage-style gardens.

This adaptable shrub works well as a low hedge, a foundation planting, or a specimen in a sunny border. The plants develop glossy green leaves through the growing season and produce aromatic, quince-like fruits in autumn that can be used in jellies and preserves. Branches are also valued for cutting and forcing indoors in late winter.
Species: Chaenomeles japonica
Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
Plant Habit: Compact, spreading, mounding
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, average fertility, tolerates a range of soil types
Zones: 4-9
Germination: Cold stratification recommended for 60-90 days; surface sow and press lightly, do not bury deeply
Sowing: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost or sow outdoors in autumn
Spacing: 3-5 feet apart
Notes: Slow to establish from seed; blooms typically appear within 2-3 years