Chaenomeles x superba
Dwarf Quince
a perennial woody deciduous member of the Chaenomeles genus in the family Rosaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Genus
- Chaenomeles
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- deciduous
- Woodiness
- woody
- Growth rate
- vigorous
- Height
- 1 m
- Spread
- 2 m
- Fertility
- Bees
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Fruit - very harsh and acid raw but fragrant when cooked. Used for jams, jellies etc and as a flavouring with cooked apples[K]. The fruit can be apple or pear-shaped and up to 6cm long x 6cm wide[6].
- Plant part
- Fruit
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Plants can be grown to make a medium sized hedge[6]. Some cultivars, such as 'Crimson and Gold' produce suckers prolifically and are suitable for ground cover[5].
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Soil surface
Environment
- Range
- A hybrid of garden origin, C. japonica x C. speciosa.
- Habitat
- Not known in the wild.
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- permanent shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 5+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sheltered position outdoors or in a cold frame[6]. Sow stored seed in February in a greenhouse[9]. Germination usually takes place within 6 weeks[9]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. If well grown, these seedling can be large enough to plant out in the summer, but give them some protection in their first winter. Otherwise plant them out in late spring of the following year[K]. This species is a hybrid and so will not breed true from seed. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[3]. Easy[4]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, November in a cold frame. Layering in late spring or in autumn. This is a sure and easy method, though it takes 12 months[9][6].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Easily cultivated in any reasonably good soil[1][3]. Prefers a deep moist well-drained loam[3]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates full shade but requires a sunny position for best fruit production[8][3][6]. Becomes chlorotic on very alkaline soils[6]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[6]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[6]. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[6][7]. A good bee plant, flowering early in the year and providing pollen and nectar[2]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[6].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
International Bee Research Association. Garden Plants Valuable to Bees. International Bee Research Association. 1981-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-670-82929-3
Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-7153-5531-7
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00