Japanese Quince
The fruits contain five times more vitamin C than lemon.
Japanese Quince is one of the cheeriest harbingers of spring in the garden. This unpretentious shrub, native to Japan and China, becomes clothed in a dense veil of blossoms before the leaves even unfurl: orange, red and white flowers bloom from April through May, bringing the first colour to the garden after the grey winter months. Breeders have developed many interesting cultivars—from the vibrant red 'Rubra' to the delicate white 'Alba'—so every gardener will find a variety to their liking.
In appearance, Japanese Quince is a compact and lively plant, densely covered with sharp thorns and elongated foliage. Its typical height of 0.5–1.5 metres makes it ideal for both large borders and small gardens. The current season's shoots often display a dull brownish colouring, adding particular appeal even during dormancy. The flowers are simple or semi-double in form, and later give way to small, hard fruits resembling tiny apples.
In the garden, Japanese Quince is a universal companion. It pairs beautifully with forsythia, steppe almond and dogwood, creating striking spring compositions. Interestingly, the fruit of this plant contains as much as five times more vitamin C than a lemon! They are not edible raw due to their astringency, but they yield unforgettable jam, compote and marmalade, imparting a delightful aroma and enhancing their nutritional value. The unpretentiousness of this quince is its true virtue: it thrives with moderate watering, develops equally well in sun or partial shade, and requires no complicated care. This is precisely the sort of plant that deserves a place in every garden.
Japanese Quince — planting & location
One of the earliest flowering plants of spring; fruits are edible (suitable for jam)
How to water Japanese Quince
Moderate watering
Fertilizing and pruning: Japanese Quince
Retain 5–7 main branches, remove the rest