Native to the mountains of China and Japan, flowering quinces (Chaenomeles spp.) Are grown mostly for their delicate flowers. There are many cultivars and species of this Chaenomeles genus that call themselves flowering quinces. The last size of this plant, its flower color and growing location all depend on the cultivar. If you realize the variety of flowering quince you planted, you are able to estimate its adult width and height.
Flowering Quince
Flowering quince shrubs have been known for their delicate blossoms that appear early in the spring. These flowers have five petals and a cup shape, regardless of the cultivar being grown. Later in the year, even varieties grown only for the flowers produce fruit. Some argue the fruits, that look like apples, are far too unpleasant to eat; they must be cooked to make them edible.
Chaenomeles speciosa
Chaenomeles speciosa is one of the shrubs known as flowering quince. This species grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. When fully grown, this kind of flowering quince can be anywhere between 6 and 10 feet tall and broad. Flowers on this variety might be white, pink or red.
Chaenomeles japonica
Chaenomeles japonica (Japanese flowering quince) is a kind of shrub that may be grown in slightly warmer areas than C. speciosa. It can be planted in USDA zones 5 through 9. Its bright red blossoms appear in the early spring, and it’s a broad, spreading growth pattern. The last height of the shrub usually is only 3 feet. Several cultivars of C. japonica grow taller. The “Toyo Nishiki” flowering quince, which grows in USDA zones 5 through 9, may reach up to 8 feet tall and spread to 6 to 8 feet wide. Other types of C. japonica that reach the average 3-foot height spread up to 5 feet wide when fully grown.
Hybrids
Hybrid types of flowering quince combine C. japonica with C. speciosa to create new varieties. These hybrids share features of both parents. As an example, “Jet Class” and “White and Low” both develop in the exact same USDA zones as C. speciosa — zones 4 through 8. All these cultivars both have a maximum height and spread of 4 feet. “Texas Scarlet” grows in USDA zones 5 through 9 and is up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
