Also known as Firebush · Flowering-Quince · Japanese Flowering Quince
Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica) is a thorny, deciduous shrub producing vibrant red-orange flowers in late winter to early spring, followed by aromatic, edible frui
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruit production, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained, loamy soil
50% intensity
Cold Hardy
25% intensity
Thrives in temperate climates and is very cold-hardy, tolerating significant frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Japanese Quince regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn and winter to prevent root rot.
Check the soil moisture by probing a few centimeters deep; water when the top layer feels dry to the touch.
Prune Japanese Quince after flowering to maintain shape and encourage future blooms. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation and light penetration.
For fruit production, allow some branches to remain unpruned, focusing on shaping.
Japanese Quince can be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in early summer, or by hardwood cuttings in late autumn. Layering is also effective.
Seeds can be sown in autumn, but require stratification and may not come true to type. Cuttings typically root best with bottom heat.
Repot young Japanese Quince plants every 2-3 years in early spring before growth starts. Mature specimens can be repotted less frequently, perhaps every 4-5 years.
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of loam, peat, and sand. Trim roots lightly if pot-bound.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Chaenomeles |
| Species | Chaenomeles japonica |
Similar in genus Chaenomeles
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
