Chaenomeles | Japanese quince - 150-160cm, 25lt

Chaenomeles, or Flowering Quince, is a dense, broad-rounded, deciduous shrub with thorny, tangled branches and oblong, toothed, glossy, dark green leaves. Its lovely five-petal, apple-blossom-shaped flowers in shades of pure white, coral pink, or scarlet red appear in late winter and brighten winter gardens with spectacular colours when almost no other plant is blooming. Edible yellow-green fruits follow in summer and are excellent for jams and jellies. Chaenomeles thrive in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil, in full sun to part shade. It is adaptable to other types of soil, including clay, but chlorosis can yellow the leaves on chalky soils. Once established, it is resistant to drought. Flower buds can be damaged by early winter frost. The branches can get tangled and untidy, therefore, some pruning is essential. Chaenomeles makes a great specimen plant, but is also beautiful when planted in groups. Perfect for screens, hedges, shrub borders, or for growing in containers.