Pink Flowering Quince

A small deciduous thorny shrub, best known for its beautiful clusters of pink flowers  followed by green fruits, ripening to yellow. These can be used to make jams and jellies. It  is guaranteed to brighten any corner on an otherwise dull Spring day. Chaenomeles superba Pink Lady can also be used as part of a low flowering hedge.

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
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 3-4ft (1-1.2 m) Spread: 3-4ft (1-1.2m)