Chaenomeles japonica aka Japanese Quince

Taxonomy

Genus Chaenomeles Family Rosaceae Order Rosales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Chaenomeles japonica, also known as the Japanese quince or Maule's quince, is a deciduous shrub that is native to Japan and South Korea. This thorny shrub is commonly cultivated and can grow up to 3 feet tall and spread up to 6 feet wide. Its colorful spring flowers are often showy and come in shades of red, white, pink, or multicolored. The five-petaled, orange-scarlet flowers bloom before the leaves unfold, and they are followed by hard, greenish-yellow fruits that ripen in early autumn. The quinces are edible but are usually considered too bitter to be eaten directly from the shrub. They are often used to make preserves and jellies. The broad-oval, green leaves are coarsely-toothed and do not have any appreciable fall color. As a houseplant, Japanese Flowering Quince is relatively rare but easy to grow. It needs regular watering and does best in long-lasting, direct light less than 1 foot from a window. The plant prefers well-draining soil and doesn't need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Japanese Quince, Flowering Quince, Japanese Flowering Quince

How to care for Japanese Quince

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Japanese Quince, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Japanese Quince should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Japanese Quince loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Japanese Quince requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Japanese Quince will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Japanese Quince plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Japanese Quince should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Japanese Quince’s native range is E. Asia - Japan.

More info:
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More Species in Chaenomeles Genus

Chaenomeles Flowering Quince

Chaenomeles cathayensis

Chaenomeles speciosa Flowering Quince