Flowering Quince Chaenomeles × superba 'Crimson and Gold'
ABOUT
The 'Crimson and Gold' is a striking ornamental shrub that is highly appreciated for its beautiful floral and foliage display. It boasts a profusion of vibrant crimson flowers which are quite bold and eye-catching. Each flower has a prominent central cluster of golden stamens, creating a striking contrast with the crimson petals. This rich color combination is a standout feature of the shrub and attracts a lot of attention in the garden during its blooming period. The foliage of the 'Crimson and Gold' is glossy, with leaves that exhibit a green color that can turn to a reddish hue in the fall, adding to the plant’s ornamental value. The leaves are arranged alternately on the branches, creating a dense and neat appearance. The shrub is deciduous, meaning that it will lose its leaves in the winter, but this does not detract from its appeal as the stems and the structure of the plant still provide interest during the colder months. Moreover, the 'Crimson and Gold' has a bushy and branching habit, with twigs that can carry thorns. This characteristic makes it useful for creating barriers or hedges, though it is primarily grown for its decorative flowers and foliage. It can be pruned to maintain a desired shape and to encourage the growth of flowers. Overall, this plant is valued not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its adaptability to various garden uses.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Flowering Quince, Japanese Quince, Japonica, Ornamental Quince
Common names
Chaenomeles × superba 'Crimson and Gold'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Chaenomeles × superba 'Crimson and Gold', commonly known as Flowering Quince, is not known to be highly toxic to humans. However, ingesting any part of the plant can potentially cause mild stomach upset due to the presence of tannins and other compounds. Eating the seeds should be avoided as they may contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include nausea, vomiting, headache, and difficulty breathing.
To pets
The Flowering Quince is also not specifically listed as highly toxic to pets, but like humans, ingestion could cause gastrointestinal upset in animals such as dogs and cats. The seeds, in particular, contain amygdalin and can be more dangerous because they can release cyanide. Signs of cyanide poisoning in pets include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. If a pet ingests a significant amount of seeds, it could be fatal, so immediate veterinary attention would be required.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value - Chaenomeles × superba 'Crimson and Gold', commonly known as flowering quince, produces striking crimson flowers with a golden center, which are highly decorative in gardens.
- Attracts wildlife - The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, while the fruit serves as a food source for birds.
- Low maintenance - Flowering quince is easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and is adaptable to various soil conditions.
- Drought tolerance - Once established, it has good tolerance to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Seasonal interest - With a long blooming period in spring and sometimes fruiting in autumn, it offers multiple seasons of visual interest.
- Hedge potential - Its thorny branches and dense growth habit make it well-suited for creating an informal hedge or barrier.
- Compact size - The 'Crimson and Gold' variety is more compact than other quinces, suitable for small spaces and urban gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis 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 brought indoors to force early blooms for decorative purposes during late winter when outdoor flowers are scarce.
- The thorny nature of Flowering Quince makes it an ideal candidate for creating secure, impenetrable hedges or barriers in landscaping.
- The dense, tangled form of the Flowering Quince provides shelter and nesting sites for small birds in the garden.
- Dried Flowering Quince fruit can be used in potpourri mixes to add a subtle fragrance and decorative element to a room.
- The hardy nature of Flowering Quince allows it to be used for erosion control on slopes and banks.
- Flowering Quince can be trained into bonsai forms, providing an intricate and traditional horticultural art piece.
- Due to their colorful blossoms, Flowering Quinces are used by flower photographers as attractive subjects for close-up photography.
- In floral arrangements, the cut branches of Flowering Quince provide a striking structural element with vivid color.
- Cuttings from the Flowering Quince can be rooted and grown as gifts or favors for garden enthusiasts.
- The dense foliage of Flowering Quince can provide a backdrop in garden beds, highlighting other plants placed in front of it.
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- Rebirth and Renewal: Commonly known as flowering quince, Chaenomeles × superba 'Crimson and Gold' blossoms in early spring, making it a symbol of starting anew and the return of happiness.
- Love and Affection: With its deep crimson flowers, the flowering quince is often associated with love and affection, reflecting the warmth and passion of relationships.
- Good Luck and Prosperity: In some cultures, flowering quinces are planted in the hopes of bringing good fortune and prosperity to the household.
- Protection: Historically, the thorny nature of flowering quince bushes was thought to offer protection by warding off evil, making it a symbol of safety and security.
- Beauty and Elegance: The striking appearance of 'Crimson and Gold' flowering quince, with its beautiful flowers and golden stamens, signifies beauty and elegance.
WaterFor a Flowering Quince ('Crimson and Gold'), water deeply once a week during the growing season, ensuring you moisten the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. During the winter, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, depending on the weather conditions. Always check the soil moisture before watering; the top 2-3 inches of soil should be dry to the touch. If it's been particularly hot or dry, you might need to water twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, and aim to provide about 1 gallon of water at each session for a small to medium-sized shrub.
LightFor the Flowering Quince, the best light condition is full sun to partial shade. It thrives when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in hot climates, Flowering Quince benefits from afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat. An ideal spot would be in an area that gets morning sunlight and dappled light in the afternoon.
TemperatureFlowering Quince plants are hardy and adaptive to temperature fluctuations. They can tolerate winter cold down to about -10°F and are heat-tolerant up to around 100°F. The ideal growing temperature range for 'Crimson and Gold' lies between 60°F and 80°F. Avoid placing them where they can be exposed to harsh winds or late frosts which could damage the blossoms.
PruningPruning the Flowering Quince ('Crimson and Gold') should be done immediately after flowering to shape the plant and remove any dead or diseased branches. This timing allows the shrub to develop new buds for the following season. Prune selectively to maintain an attractive shape and to thin out crowded branches, which helps improve air circulation. Typically, an annual pruning session suffices for this low-maintenance plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Flowering Quince 'Crimson and Gold' prefers well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. A balanced soil mix could consist of equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to ensure drainage. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingFlowering Quinces like 'Crimson and Gold' do not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3 to 5 years. It's best to repot during late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingFlowering Quince 'Crimson and Gold' is adaptable to average outdoor humidity levels. It does not require high humidity and can thrive in the humidity levels typically found in a temperate climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, shelter from strong winds, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe flowering quince 'Crimson and Gold' begins its life with seed germination, which typically occurs in the spring when soil temperatures warm. This is followed by the seedling stage, where the young plant develops its initial roots and leaves, progressing to form a small shrub. In its juvenile phase, the plant grows rapidly, establishing a strong root system and branching structure without yet flowering. As it matures during the adult stage, which takes a few years, 'Crimson and Gold' starts to produce its vibrant crimson flowers with prominent gold anthers each spring, a sign of its reproductive maturity. This stage is also characterized by the growth of small greenish-yellow fruits after the flowers are pollinated. Over the years, 'Crimson and Gold' will enter a period of senescence, where growth slows and the plant may produce fewer flowers and fruits until it eventually dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
The most popular method for propagating Chaenomeles × superba 'Crimson and Gold', commonly known as Flowering Quince, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process involves taking cuttings from new growth that has begun to mature and firm up around mid to late summer. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, with several leaves left at the top, and the lower leaves removed. Dipping the cut end of the cutting into rooting hormone can increase the chances of successful rooting. The cuttings are then inserted into a well-draining potting mixture and kept moist and shaded until they form roots, which generally begins within a few weeks up to a couple of months. It's crucial that the cutting doesn't dry out and is protected from intense direct sunlight during this period.
