Flowering Quince Chaenomeles speciosa Mango Storm = 'Mincha01' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Chaenomeles speciosa Mango Storm, commonly known as Flowering Quince ‘Mango Storm’, is a beautiful ornamental plant revered for its distinctive flowering and fruiting characteristics. The most striking feature of this cultivar is its blossoms. The flowers emerge in a flamboyant display of mango-orange hues, a color that is unique and particularly eye-catching among flowering quinces. These blooms make a bold statement in the landscape with their warm tones. The petals are arranged in a layered fashion, creating a full and lush visual effect that resembles a miniature bouquet. As the flowering season progresses, the plant produces small, apple-like fruits. These fruits are often a greenish-yellow color and may have a slight fuzz on their surface, reminiscent of the texture on some apple varieties. However, while they are related to the apples we commonly eat, these fruits are usually not consumed fresh due to their hard texture and tart flavor, typically being reserved for making jellies or preserves instead. The leaves of the Mango Storm are glossy and finely toothed, with a shape that is both rounded and somewhat elongated. They provide a lush green backdrop that makes the orange flowers and yellowish fruits stand out even more. The foliage may turn to shades of yellow or red before falling off as the seasons change. The branches of this Flowering Quince are numerous and may sport thorns, which can be sharp. The thorny aspect can make it a good choice for a natural barrier or hedge, but also something to consider if the plant is to be placed in an area of the garden where people or pets frequently pass by. Together, the vibrant blossoms, appealing fruit, and the rich green foliage create a tapestry of color and texture that brings life to any garden setting. With proper care and suitable conditions, Mango Storm is a resilient plant that rewards gardeners with a seasonal show of vivid colors and potentially, fragrant delights.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Flowering Quince, Japanese Quince, Japonica.
Common names
Cydonia speciosa, Chaenomeles lagenaria.
ToxicityTo humans
The flowering quince, specifically Chaenomeles speciosa 'Mango Storm', is not commonly known to be highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, certain parts of the flowering quince may cause irritation or discomfort if ingested. There may be mild toxicity associated with ingesting seeds, as they may contain trace amounts of cyanide compounds, which in large quantities can be harmful. If ingested, symptoms of poisoning could potentially include stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. It is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid eating any parts of ornamental plants unless they are known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
The flowering quince, specifically Chaenomeles speciosa 'Mango Storm', is not commonly known to be highly toxic to pets. However, ingestion of the plant, particularly the seeds, may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to trace amounts of cyanide compounds found within the seeds. If a pet ingests parts of the flowering quince, they may experience symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting. It is advisable to keep an eye on pets around ornamental plants and seek veterinary attention if you suspect your pet has ingested plant material and is exhibiting adverse symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
3-4 feet [0.9-1.2 meters]
Spread
3-4 feet [0.9-1.2 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
East Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Chaenomeles speciosa 'Mango Storm' brings vibrant color with its beautiful orange to mango-colored flowers that can enhance the aesthetic of gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The attractive flowers are beneficial for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of plants and the overall health of gardens.
- Hardiness: The plant is known for its hardy nature, which allows it to withstand cold temperatures and makes it suitable for growing in various hardiness zones.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good level of drought resistance, making it suitable for regions with low rainfall or for gardeners seeking low water-use plants.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance beyond the initial planting and establishment period, making it suitable for gardeners who prefer plants that do not require constant care.
- Long Blooming Period: The long blooming period in the spring provides a sustained display of flowers, enhancing a garden's visual interest for an extended period.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated by cuttings or layering, allowing gardeners to create new plants for other areas of the garden or to share with others.
- Wildlife Shelter: Dense growth habit may offer shelter for small wildlife, such as birds, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden ecosystem.
- Adaptable: Can adapt to a range of soil types as long as they are well-drained, making it a versatile choice for many garden settings.
- Compact Size: The relatively compact growth habit makes it ideal for small gardens, borders, or as a specimen in limited space.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Flowering Quince branches can be used for creating decorative walking sticks; once dried, the unique branching patterns and thorns provide an attractive and rustic look.
- The thorns of Flowering Quince can be used in crafting to create natural fasteners or as part of floral arrangements for added texture and interest.
- Dried Flowering Quince fruits can be incorporated into potpourri blends for a subtle fragrance and a touch of color.
- The dense, thorny growth habit of Flowering Quince can be utilized as a protective hedge for nesting birds and to deter unwanted animals from entering a garden space.
- Flowering Quince can be trained as a bonsai tree, offering a challenging and rewarding hobby that highlights the plant's beautiful blossoms in miniature.
- The wood from older Flowering Quince shrubs can be carved into small trinkets or used in woodworking to add unique details to handmade furniture.
- Ink derived from the fruits of Flowering Quince can be used for artistic purposes, creating a natural and unique medium for eco-friendly art projects.
- Flowering Quince fruit pectin can be extracted and used as a natural thickening agent for culinary purposes such as making jams and jellies.
- The vibrant flowers can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yarns, and papers, giving them a soft, peachy hue.
- As a photography subject, the vivid blossoms of Flowering Quince can provide stunning imagery for fine art photography, especially in spring-themed compositions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe flowering quince is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe flowering quince is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal - The vibrant blooming of the Chaenomeles, commonly known as Flowering Quince, often signals the end of winter and the coming of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and renewal.
- Perseverance and Toughness - Flowering Quince is known for its hardy nature, able to withstand harsh conditions, which makes it a symbol of perseverance and the ability to endure difficult times.
- Fertility and Abundance - With its lush, prolific blossoms, the Flowering Quince is often associated with fertility and the idea of abundance in life or endeavors.
- Beauty and Attraction - The striking beauty of the Flowering Quince blossoms represents attraction and the allure of the physical senses, reflecting the beauty of nature and life.
- Protection - In traditional folklore, the thorns of the Flowering Quince were believed to offer protection against evil spirits, making it a symbol of safeguarding one's home or space.
WaterThe flowering quince 'Mango Storm' should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Generally, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week is sufficient, accommodating for rainfall. During the growing season, it may need more frequent watering, especially in dry periods. It is important to reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. The best method is to water deeply at the base, allowing the water to soak into the root zone where it's needed most.
LightFlowering quince 'Mango Storm' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Additionally, ensuring it is in a location where it gets bright light for the rest of the day will promote healthy growth and flowering.
TemperatureFlowering quince 'Mango Storm' is hardy in a range of temperatures and can typically survive in temperatures as low as 5°F and as high as 90°F, although it prefers moderate temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 60°F and 80°F. Extreme temperatures either below freezing or too high might stress the plant and affect its growth and bloom.
PruningPruning the flowering quince 'Mango Storm' helps maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage flowering. It should be pruned immediately after it finishes flowering in spring to avoid cutting off next year's buds. Thin out old branches and trim back shoots to shape the plant as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Flowering Quince 'Mango Storm' thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, with an ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand will create a suitable growing environment that retains moisture while preventing waterlogging.
RepottingFlowering Quinces, including the 'Mango Storm', generally require repotting every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time to repot before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingThe 'Mango Storm' Flowering Quince is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive. Average room humidity is typically sufficient for this resilient plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and ensure good airflow for 'Mango Storm' Flowering Quince.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade for Flowering Quince 'Mango Storm'.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChaenomeles speciosa Mango Storm, more commonly known as Flowering quince 'Mango Storm', begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in the spring after a period of cold stratification, which is necessary to break seed dormancy. The seedling emerges and, given proper conditions of soil, light, and water, will develop into a juvenile plant with distinctive leaves and begin to establish a root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage where growth is vigorous, and it forms a dense, thorny shrub. Once mature enough, it enters the flowering stage, usually in late winter to early spring, producing vibrant orange-pink flowers before the emergence of leaves. Following flowering, the plant sets fruit, which are hard pome fruits that may persist into winter and can propagate new plants if conditions allow. In subsequent years, the Flowering quince 'Mango Storm' repeats the flowering and fruiting cycle annually while continuing to grow and thicken its woody structure until it reaches the end of its lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Chaenomeles speciosa 'Mango Storm', commonly known as Flowering Quince, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process usually takes place in the late summer to early fall. To propagate, one would cut a segment of semi-hardwood that has matured from the current season’s growth. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches long (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) with several leaves, and the bottom cut should be made just below a node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting is then kept moist and in a high humidity environment until it roots, which can take several weeks. After roots have formed, the new Flowering Quince plant can eventually be transplanted outdoors to its permanent location.
