Chaenomeles speciosa Kinshiden: A new, very elegant variety with porcelain-white and green flowers.
Chaenomeles, or Japanese quince, are finally in bloom in our greenhouses, about 2 to 3 weeks earlier than those in the garden; their abundant flowering marks the start of spring.
What’s pleasant about Chaenomeles is that they flower before producing their leaves; the flowers thus stand out perfectly from their twisted habit, which is reminiscent of certain Japanese prints in which arching branches, studded with small, airy flowers, often red, are depicted against a wintry landscape.
Chaenomeles speciosa Hot Fire: This intense red colour is often depicted in Japanese prints.
Chaenomeles speciosa Falconnet Charlet
Easy to grow, they thrive almost anywhere, in acidic soils as well as calcareous soils, in full sun or partial shade; what they dislike, in fact, are very heavy and very damp soils.
Chaenomeles speciosa Eximia: A variety with very large flowers.
There are two main categories of Chaenomeles, C. speciosa and C. superba. The speciosa are recognisable by their large flowers; they are a little later flowering than the superba and somewhat larger. The superba produce flowers that are often smaller but more numerous; they have a somewhat compact habit and somewhat more tortuous branching than the speciosa.
Chaenomeles (x) superba Cameo: The flowers are smaller but more numerous.
The Japanese quinces will thus flower for about three weeks to a month and then, during the summer, some will bear yellow fruits the size of a ping-pong ball. Do note, however, that the fruits are eaten cooked and are said to be as tasty as the traditional quince (Cydonia oblonga); but unlike the latter, Chaenomeles have the considerable advantage of taking up very little space, as when mature they reach about 2 metres in height and width, making them suitable for small spaces and for pot culture.
Comments