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Chaenomeles x superba
  • Dwarf Quince

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Chaenomeles genus in the family Rosaceae.

Niche
  • Soil surface
    Soil surface
    Plants which grow close to or at soil level, not necessary providing a ground cover function.
Functions
  • Ground cover
    Ground cover
    There are no details available for this function.
  • Hedge
    Hedge
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • permanent shade
    Permanent shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Heavy clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 5
    Zone 5
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Chaenomeles x superba has 1 edible uses listed

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

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[1].

Fruit

Unknown use

Material uses

Plants can be grown to make a medium sized hedge[1]. Some cultivars, such as 'Crimson and Gold' produce suckers prolifically and are suitable for ground cover[2].
There are no material uses listed for Chaenomeles x superba.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Chaenomeles x superba.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover


Hedge

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sheltered position outdoors or in a cold frame[1]. Sow stored seed in February in a greenhouse[3]. Germination usually takes place within 6 weeks[3]. 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[4]. Easy[5]. 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[3][1].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Chaenomeles x superba. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Easily cultivated in any reasonably good soil[6][4]. Prefers a deep moist well-drained loam[4]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates full shade but requires a sunny position for best fruit production[7][4][1]. Becomes chlorotic on very alkaline soils[1]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[1].

Plants are hardy to about -25°c[1]. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[1][8]. A good bee plant, flowering early in the year and providing pollen and nectar[9].

Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[1].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Chaenomeles x superba. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Chaenomeles x superba.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Chaenomeles x superba
Genus
Chaenomeles
Family
Rosaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1]
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
[1][2]
Botanic
[1]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
  • Fruit (Unknown use)
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Ground cover, Hedge
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
permanent shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Soil surface
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    deciduous
    Herbaceous or Woody
    woody
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    vigorous
    Mature Size
    1 x 2 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Bees
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite
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    References

    1. ? 1.001.011.021.031.041.051.061.071.081.091.101.111.12 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    5. ? Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
    6. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    7. ? Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-5531-7 (1972-00-00)
    8. ? Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. ISBN 0-670-82929-3 (1990-00-00)
    9. ? International Bee Research Association. Garden Plants Valuable to Bees. International Bee Research Association. (1981-00-00)


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