Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica)

Written by: Wanda Simone | Last Updated: May 2, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See our disclosure policy for more info.

A small shrub that is perfect for creating eye-catching mid-border displays or enhancing foundation plantings with its bright spring blooms.

Plant snapshot

Scientific name: Chaenomeles japonica

Plant type: shrub

Zone: 5 to 9

Exposure: sun, part shade

Height: 2′ to 3′

Width: 3′ to 6′

Bloom time: winter to early spring

Flower color: orange, red

Japanese Quince is a low-growing deciduous shrub with bright orange to red flowers produced in late winter.
It’s an easy-to-grow bush that isn’t fussy about soil conditions and is quite drought-tolerant once established.
It is also resistant to both rabbits and deer, partly because of its thorny branches.

Japanese Quince characteristics

Japanese Quince blooms

Flower color: orange, red

Bloom time: winter to early spring

Chaenomeles japonica Foliage

Leaf color: green

Leaf shape: broadleaf

Japanese Quince planting & care

Water: drought resistant

Pruning: Prune as necessary immediately after blooming to prevent cutting off next year’s flowers.

Chaenomeles japonica benefits & issues

Resistant to: deer, rabbits

Landscaping uses: mid border, foundation plantings

Growth habit: easy to grow

More information

Have comments or questions about Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica)? Tell us in the section below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *