Chaenomeles speciosa Nivalis (Japanese Quince)

Highly desirable, Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Nivalis’ (Japanese Quince) is a spreading, deciduous shrub with abundant clusters of pure white flowers, up to 1.5 in. across (3-4 cm). Borne on thorny, tangled branches, they bloom in profusion for a few weeks in early spring and give way to small, fragrant, greenish yellow fruits, 2 in. across (5 cm), which ripen in early fall. This ornamental quince is one of the earliest to flower.

Highly desirable, Chaenomeles speciosa 'Nivalis' (Japanese Quince) is a spreading, deciduous shrub with abundant clusters of pure white flowers, up to 1.5 in. across (3-4 cm). Borne on thorny, tangled branches, they bloom in profusion for a few 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, 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.

  • Grows up in a bushy, densely-branched shrub up to 8 ft. tall (240 cm) and 13 ft. wide (400 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 low-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

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Chaenomeles – Flowering Quinces
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Height 7'
– 8'
(210cm
– 240cm)
Spread 12'
– 13'
(3.6m
– 3.9m)
Spacing 36″
– 144″
(90cm
– 360cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden