Chaenomeles x superba 'PINK LADY'

Japanese quince is one of the most popular shrubs for bonsai makers. It is valued for its profuse flowering and irregular growth ideal for never-ending clipping and shaping. In Japan it is cultivated in similar quantity to flowering cherries and magnolias. It is a deciduous shrub with glossy, dark green leaves, and branches with 2-3 cm thorns.

Pink Lady is a hybrid variety of Japanese quince, a cross between ch.japonica and ch.speciosa with large, pink flowers which usually open from mid April. However, if the winter is warm you can see numerous buds opening already in March. The shrub flowers for 4-6 weeks, well into early May when leaved out, still, the prettiest sight is at its bare branches with small, deep pink, rounded buds slowly opening like a lotus flower, woken up by early spring sun and warmth. Flowers are followed by edible, pear-shaped pomes, 4-5 cm in diameter.

Japanese quince will grow in almost any soil apart from too alkaline. For best results grow it in moderately fertile and reasonably drained garden soil, it can take clay and occasional drought when established but evenly moist soil will secure richer growth and better appearance. Pruning is crucial unless you like its natural unkempt habit. Prune the branches hard immediately after by 70-80% and remove leggy twigs from inside the shrub to achieve an airier habit with visible framework. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5) and suitable for outdoor pots.

Last update 06-03-2014