Description
Chaenomeles speciosa, commonly known as flowering quince, is a deciduous shrub that is prized for its stunning, early-blooming flowers and its hardiness. The plant produces showy, cup-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, or orange that bloom in late winter or early spring before the leaves emerge. The flowers are followed by small, apple-like fruits that are edible when cooked. Flowering quince is an excellent choice for adding early season color and interest to a mixed border or as a specimen plant. The plant is relatively low-maintenance and disease-resistant, making it a popular choice among gardeners. It can be pruned after flowering to promote healthy growth and maintain its shape. The shrub can also be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Ornamental Quice ‘Geisha Girl’
- Hardiness:Fully hardy
- How big will I get? Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Geisha Girl’ can grow to a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.5m.
- Did You Know That:The plant is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any garden aimed at supporting local wildlife?
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Flowering Time | ||||||||||||
Foliage Colour |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Geisha Girl’ is a versatile plant and can cope with wet or drier soils, but prefers there to be decent drainage. This plant can grow in soil with a wide range of pH levels, it is not picky about the pH level of the soil.
Best Position
Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Geisha Girl’ can handle either an exposed or a sheltered position and is a very versatile plant that can cope with full shade, partial shade, or full sun.
Maintenance
Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Geisha Girl’ should be pruned after it has finished flowering. Side shoots should be cut back to around 5 or 6 leaves and any crossing stems can be removed completely. Please bare in mind that any flowered stems removed will not go on to produce fruit.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Geisha Girl’ can have problems with scale insects and aphids, it can be vulnerable to certain diseases such as fireblight and blossom wilt. It is also known to attract bees. It is not considered to be toxic.