Flowering Quince

A small deciduous thorny shrub, best known for its beautiful Spring flowers followed by unusual fruits. It will fit in in most gardens, where it is guaranteed to brighten any corner on an otherwise dull Spring day. Another feature is its golden yellow crabapple-like fruit in the Autumn. 

Chaenomeles usually need tying into a support due to their slightly floppy habit and so are often grown against a wall or fence.

Making Quince Jelly or Jams

While these ornamental flowering quinces are far too hard, astringent, and sour to eat raw, cooking transforms them into a fragrant, ruby-red preserve with a bright, citrusy punch. Chaenomeles fruits are exceptionally packed with natural pectin, you do not need to add pectin; the jam will set easily on its own.

Gather fruits in late autumn (October/November) when they turn from green to bright yellow and become fragrant. Chaenomeles seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides (similar to apple seeds). Always core the fruit and discard the seeds before final processing.

Site: Requires some shelter
Soil: Any well-drained soil, must not be too damp
Position: Full sun, some shade
Season of Interest: Spring flowers, Autumn fruit
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 3-4ft (1-1.2 m) Spread: 3-4ft (1-1.2m)