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 |
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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 |