Japanese quince 'Cameo' Chaenomeles × superba 'Cameo' (d)

Water

Flowering Quince 'Cameo' prefers to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per session for a medium-sized shrub. In periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water more frequently, monitoring the soil moisture level to ensure it remains damp at about an inch below the soil surface. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant, ensuring the soil does not completely dry out. Avoid overhead watering to minimize leaf diseases, instead water at the base of the plant.

Light

Flowering Quince 'Cameo' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. An optimal location would provide the plant with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes healthy growth and prolific flowering. However, in regions with intensely hot summers, a spot that offers afternoon shade to protect the plant from the scorching heat would be ideal.

Temperature

Flowering Quince 'Cameo' is a hardy plant that can withstand a range of temperatures. It typically survives winter temperatures down to about 5 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate summer temperatures up to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for this shrub is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, where it will flourish and produce its best blooms.

Pruning

Flowering Quince 'Cameo' should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage vibrant flowering. Prune immediately after flowering in late spring to avoid cutting off next year's buds, as this plant blooms on old wood. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Occasional rejuvenation pruning, cutting back one-third of the oldest branches to the ground, will keep the plant vigorous.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Flowering quince 'Cameo' thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part perlite or sand can provide the drainage and texture needed for healthy root growth and overall vigor.

Repotting

'Cameo' flowering quince should be repotted every two to three years to refresh soil and prevent root-bound conditions, ideally during late winter or early spring just before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

The flowering quince 'Cameo' is quite adaptable but prefers moderate humidity levels; however, it can tolerate the drier conditions typically found in home environments without any adverse effects.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, lower humidity is acceptable.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Chaenomeles × superba 'Cameo', commonly known as Flowering Quince 'Cameo', begins its life cycle as a seed, which, upon germination, develops into a young seedling. The seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the first true leaves, after which the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, steadily increasing in size and forming a woody stem structure. As it matures, the Flowering Quince 'Cameo' develops buds that bloom into attractive pink flowers in early spring before the foliage fully unfurls. Following pollination, typically by bees or other insects, the flowers develop into small, fragrant, apple-like pomes that may be used in jellies or as ornamental features. The plant enters a period of dormancy in the winter months, where metabolic activity slows down, and it may shed its leaves depending on the climate. Year after year, Flowering Quince 'Cameo' repeats this cycle, potentially living for decades if provided suitable growing conditions and care.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the flowering quince 'Cameo' is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is often carried out in late summer when the current season's growth has begun to mature but is not yet fully hardened. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and be about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 cm). The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings need to be kept in a humid environment with indirect light until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Care should be taken to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.