How to prune and espalier a Japanese quince?

Japanese quince or Chaenomeles sp. is an ornamental shrub appreciated for its colourful flowers and ease of care. However, for the bush to retain an attractive shape and healthy growth, regular pruning is necessary. Likewise, if you want to train your Japanese quince to a particular shape or make it climb along a wall, proper training is essential. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps of pruning and training a Japanese quince, giving the advice and tools needed to keep the bush healthy and aesthetically shaped.

What is Japanese quince?

Japanese quince (Chaenomeles sp.) is a shrub native to East Asia, notably Japan and China. It belongs to family Rosaceae and produces edible fruits resembling quinces (hence the French name of the bush), although smaller and more acidic.

Japanese quinces are often grown as ornamental plants for their bright and colourful flowers, which appear in late winter or early spring. Flowers can be red, orange, pink or white, depending on variety.

Fruits of Japanese quince are sometimes used to make jelly or jam, though not as sweet as traditional quinces. Branches of the bush can also be used to create floral arrangements.

How to prune Japanese quince?

Pruning Japanese quince depends on the intended purpose. Here are some general tips to prune a Japanese quince:

1. Prune after flowering, as flowers develop on last year's branches. Pruning in late winter or early spring could destroy flower buds and thus reduce flowering.

2. Remove dead and diseased branches to support healthy growth and prevent spread of disease.

3. If you want to maintain a specific shape, you can prune branches that protrude or are poorly oriented.

4. For more abundant flowering, you can thin branches by cutting some main branches to allow light and air to penetrate through the bush more effectively.

5. Finally, to encourage more compact growth, you can shorten new shoots by one-third to one-half of their length.

It is important to note Japanese quince is a tolerant, resilient bush that can be pruned quite aggressively without suffering major damage. However, avoid pruning more than one third of the bush at once, as this could stress the plant and affect future growth.

Remember: keep pruning tools clean and sharp to avoid spreading disease. Disinfect the blades of your tools before and after pruning by wiping them with alcohol.

How to train Japanese quince?

Training a Japanese quince is a good method to guide it in a certain direction and keep it at a desired size and shape. Here are some steps to train a Japanese quince:

1. Choose the right time: best period to train Japanese quince is early spring, just before new shoots start to develop.

2. Place a sturdy support, such as a trellis or taut wires, near the bush. Ensure the trellis or wires are strong enough to support the weight of the bush and its branches. Avoid materials that can damage the bark of the bush.

3. Gently tie the branches of the bush to the support using garden twine, raffia or soft tape. Place ties at regular intervals to prevent branches from breaking or bending under their own weight.

4. Guide new shoots towards the support by tying them with soft ties. Avoid forcing branches into an uncomfortable position, as this can cause damage to the bush.

5. Repeat the training process each year to guide the bush into the desired shape.

It is important to check ties regularly and adjust them as the bush grows to prevent them tightening and strangling branches. With a little care and attention, you can train a Japanese quince to grow in the desired direction and achieve a more attractive shape.