Walton's Plant Library

Other Names:  Common Quince

Description:

A compact, profuse bloomer producing striking crimson flowers with golden anthers in spring; a single-season plant, good for general garden use and makes a fine low hedge as it takes pruning well; more refined than the species

Ornamental Features

Crimson and Gold Flowering Quince has crimson cup-shaped flowers with gold eyes along the branches in early spring before the leaves. It has dark green deciduous foliage which emerges red in spring. The glossy oval leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color. The fruits are showy yellow pomes displayed in mid fall. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up.

This plant is primarily grown as an ornamental, but it's also valued for its edible qualities. The bitter fruit is most often used in the following ways:

• Preserves

Landscape Attributes

Crimson and Gold Flowering Quince is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy
• Spiny

Crimson and Gold Flowering Quince is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Crimson and Gold Flowering Quince will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.