Chaenomeles speciosa Moerloosei (Japanese Quince)

Chaenomeles speciosa 'Moerloosei' (Japanese Quince) is a spreading medium-sized deciduous shrub with abundant clusters of apple blossom pink and white blooms, up to 1.5 in. across (3-4 cm). Borne on thorny, tangled branches before the glossy, dark green leaves appear, they bloom in profusion for many weeks in early spring, creating a brilliant floral display at a time when there is little to be excited about in the garden. The flowers give way to small, fragrant, apple-shaped, greenish-yellow fruits, 2 in. across (5 cm), which ripen in early fall. Edible, they are considered too bitter to be eaten directly from the shrub, but they may be used for preserves and jellies.

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows up in a bushy, densely-branched shrub up to 3-10 ft. tall (90-300 cm) and 4-15 ft. wide (120-450 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils. Best flower production occurs in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soil conditions, including dry soils and clay soils provided there is good drainage. Drought tolerant once established.
• Easy to care for and nearly indestructible, Japanese Quince is a perfect choice for mixed shrub borders or flowering hedges. The spreading form and spiny branches make this plant an excellent choice for screening, or as a security barrier. Great as a specimen plant and for foundation plantings. Japanese Quince may also be trained against a wall.
• Deer and rabbit resistant
• Prune to shape as required after flowering to encourage the growth of flowering spurs. Note that such pruning will reduce fruit production. Remove root suckers to control possible spread.
• Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings