Cistus Nursery
*RETAIL - Chaenomeles sinensis
*RETAIL - Chaenomeles sinensis
This false quince from China suggests an artists rendition of what a quince could be in its ultimate expression. A large, graceful shrub to small tree, to about 12 ft, the bark exfoliates beautifully in jigsaw puzzle patterns of bronze, orange, and cream. The foliage is rounded to about 4", and a pretty, shiny green, turning coppery orange and red in late fall, and often remaining through the winter only to shed as new growth appears or with severe cold. Careful pruning maintains small tree shape. Early spring flowers of apple blossom pink give way to rounded, yellow, waxy fruit, sort of papaya-shaped to about 6", with a strong fragrance of quince and lemon. Wonderful for an indoor bowl of "living potpourri", refreshing an entire room ... possibly the whole neighborhood. A plant for bright light to only dappled shade. Drought tolerant though summer water speeds growth. We know it is frost hardy in USDA zone 7; probably ok, but deciduous in zone 6.
FLOWERING QUINCE
Rosaceae
*THESE SIZES ONLY AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN OUR RETAIL NURSERY
Planting Recommendations
Planting Recommendations
Under most conditions, planting directly into the garden is best. Keep in mind, that in our care, plants have been protected from intense sunlight and drying winds and would therefore require sheltered transition time in order to acclimate to such conditions in your garden.
All plants going into containers (rather than in the ground) should be potted immediately in well-drained potting mix and watered well to ensure the soil is fully moistened with no air pockets. Succulent plants abide by different rules (**see below).
Plants held for later planting are best stored in a cool greenhouse or a well-lit garage or basement, rather than in your house where conditions are likely too warm and dry.
Those plants needing time to acclimate can be set out in pots and provided some shade and shelter for the first week to allow for a successful transition.
**For cacti and other succulents, we recommend using a soil mix of less than 30% organic matter, preferably a 2-1 blend of cactus/succulent potting soil and pumice, perlite or lava rock. These plants are sensitive to prolonged heavy moisture, especially in cool/winter conditions. Keep this in mind when watering them for the first time. It is better to leave them dry in lower temperatures.
Share
