shrub

Flowering Quince

Chaenomeles × superba 'Crimson & Gold'

The Story

Plant Bio

Chaenomeles × superba is a dense, multi-stemmed deciduous hybrid shrub characterized by tangled, spiny branches and glossy, finely serrated leaves. The parent species are native to eastern Asia, producing a tough garden plant that tolerates a wide range of soils and severe winter frosts.

'Crimson & Gold' is distinguished by its deep fire-engine red flowers featuring prominent, contrasting golden-yellow anthers. The single blooms open in early spring on bare wood, accompanied by new foliage that emerges with a distinct bronze-red tint before maturing to dark green.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces brilliant red flowers on bare stems in early spring, followed by glossy foliage and small, hard yellow fruits.

Tangled, thorny branches make it an effective low-growing barrier hedge to deter foot traffic.

Provides an early-season nectar source for emerging native bees, honeybees, and migrating hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Multi-decade

Native To

Garden origin (parent species native to China and Japan)

Toxicity

Foliage and seeds contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to maximize flower production and ensure the soil drains rapidly.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with native soil, avoiding heavy organic amendments that hold excess moisture.
Water deeply at the base immediately after planting to settle the soil around the root system.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the main stems to prevent rot.
Irrigate regularly during the first growing season until the root system is fully established.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after flowering to preserve next year's buds, which develop on the current season's growth. Avoid late-season shearing or planting in poorly drained sites where standing water triggers root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune stems immediately after spring flowering is complete to encourage new flowering spurs.
Remove basal root suckers regularly to control the horizontal spread of the shrub.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.

Don't

Do not prune in late winter or early spring, which removes the dormant flower buds.
Do not plant in low-lying areas prone to standing water or prolonged waterlogging.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate excessive foliage at the expense of blooms.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeBarrier PlantingCottage GardenMixed Border

Companion Plants

Narcissus Tulipa Spiraea thunbergii Fothergilla gardenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Flowering Quince questions

What zones can Flowering Quince grow in?

Flowering Quince is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Flowering Quince deer resistant?

Yes — Flowering Quince is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Flowering Quince bloom?

Flowering Quince typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Flowering Quince need full sun?

Flowering Quince does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Flowering Quince drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Flowering Quince handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.