Pensacola News Journal

For:  Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005

By:   Daniel E. Mullins

        Extension Horticulture Agent

        Santa Rosa County

 

Dwarf Flowering Quince Provides Winter Color

 

             I was traveling north of Milton during late January when a splash of orange caught my eye.  “Name the plant” is something that is subconsciously done while driving and this little shrub puzzled me for a moment – but only for a moment.

            The dwarf flowering quince is a shrub that is not much seen in Northwest

Florida landscapes.  Older landscapes often included at least one, but this is another of those old timey plants that we seem to have unfortunately forgotten about.  The plant is not rare and is used much more frequently in areas to our north.

            Botanically the dwarf flowering quince is Chaenomeles japonica.  It goes by several common names including dwarf quince and Maule’s quince.  This plant should not be confused with the larger growing quince species that are grown for their fruit.  There is also another species of flowering quince that grows to be a medium sized shrub. 

            The dwarf flowering quince could be useful in many local landscapes.  It is a dense small growing shrub that grows to a height of about three feet.  It is deciduous, meaning that it sheds all of its leaves during the winter.  Flowering begins in mid winter and lasts for several weeks.  The blossoms are apple-like in size and shape and are profusely borne on bare stems well before new leaves appear.

            Dwarf flowering quince should not be overlooked by flower arrangers.  Stems with mature buds can be clipped and placed in water where they will open indoors.

            A search of local nurseries should turn up a container grown dwarf quince or two.  They can be used as small free-standing specimens or en mass for winter color. 

           

 

            Like most plants that flower heavily, a site that provides high light is best, but quince will grow well in partial shade.  It will also grow under a wide range of

soil conditions though moist soil is preferred.  And, once established don’t worry about it freezing.  Quince is very cold hardy in our area.

Note: This is but one example of the many deciduous shrub species that are apparently being overlooked as landscape plants for our area.  Local residents seem to favor the broadleaved evergreens – and there are some great choices.  However, many of the most colorful plants are found among the deciduous species.