Japanese quince 'Jet Trail' Chaenomeles × superba 'Jet Trail'
ABOUT
'Jet Trail' is a compact, spreading shrub to 1m tall and 1.2m wide with glossy oval to oblong leaves. A profusion of pure white flowers up to 4.5cm in diameter open in small clusters on the bare stems in early spring and are followed by green fruits which ripen to yellow
About this plant
- Names
Family
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Flowering Quince, Japanese Quince, Maule's Quince
Common names
Chaenomeles × superba 'Jet Trail'.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet [0.6-0.9 meters]
Spread
4-5 feet [1.2-1.5 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: 'Jet Trail' flowering quince has showy white blossoms that provide early spring color to landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees, while the fruit can attract birds and other wildlife.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, this plant requires minimal care, making it a hassle-free addition to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: It has good drought resistance, which makes it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for xeriscaping.
- Hardiness: 'Jet Trail' is cold hardy, able to withstand cold winters in many temperate regions.
- Compact Growth: The plant's compact size makes it suitable for small gardens or as a part of mixed borders.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Flowering Quince branches can be used in floral arrangements to add a natural and rustic charm to bouquets and indoor decorations, especially when the plant is in bloom.
- Due to its dense growth habit, the Flowering Quince can be trained as a bonsai, making it a beautiful and unique addition to a collection of miniature trees.
- The thorny branches of the Flowering Quince can be included in hedges or barriers, as they can deter animals and unauthorized access to private properties.
- The plant's fruit, although not as popular as other quinces, can be used to make jellies, jams, and marmalades with its distinctive tart flavor.
- Flowering Quince can be used as a rootstock for grafting other species of the Cydonia or Chaenomeles genera, making it a versatile component in orchard management.
- Dried Flowering Quince petals and fruits can be utilized in potpourris to impart a fresh, fruity fragrance to a room.
- Its attractive spring flowers make the Flowering Quince a candidate for inclusion in artistic photography and painting, especially for botanical illustrators.
- The dense and sturdy nature of this shrub allows it to be used as an erosion control plant on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
- Wood from the Flowering Quince can be used in small woodworking projects, such as carving decorative items or for use as inlays in fine furniture.
- The Fruitings Quince can serve as an educational tool for teaching about plant growth, propagation, and the life cycle of plants in a school or home garden setting.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Flowering Quince is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Flowering Quince is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Resilience: The Chaenomeles × superba 'Jet Trail', commonly known as Flowering Quince, is often considered a symbol of resilience as it is hardy and can withstand tough conditions, blooming early in spring even in chilly climates.
- Beauty and Attraction: With its striking white flowers, the Flowering Quince represents beauty and the power of attraction, reminding us of nature's ability to captivate through visual appeal.
- Renewal: Its early bloom at the end of winter is seen as a herald of spring, symbolizing renewal and the promise of new beginnings.
- Fertility: Due to its prolific blooming nature, the Flowering Quince is often associated with fertility and abundance.
- Protection: In some cultures, the thorns of the Flowering Quince are believed to ward off evil and provide protection to the household.
- Water
For the Flowering Quince 'Jet Trail', water deeply once a week during active growth in spring and summer, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, depending on the weather conditions. Supply about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering session to adequately hydrate the roots without causing standing water, which can lead to root rot. Adjust the amount based on rainfall and temperature, providing more water during hot, dry periods and less during cool, wet spells.
- Light
Flowering Quince 'Jet Trail' thrives in full sun to partial shade. Plant it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates, but blooming is most prolific with ample sunlight. Avoid deep shade to ensure healthy growth and flowering.
- Temperature
The Flowering Quince 'Jet Trail' is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from well below freezing to above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive winter temperatures as low as -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit if properly acclimatized. Ideally, grow this plant in areas where the temperature ranges between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season for optimal development.
- Pruning
Prune the Flowering Quince 'Jet Trail' after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage a dense growth habit. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Pruning can be performed annually or every other year, and the best time to prune is late spring or early summer, shortly after the flowering period concludes.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Flowering quince 'Jet Trail' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A balanced mix of loam, peat or leaf mold, and coarse sand or perlite would be ideal to ensure good drainage and aeration while retaining nutrients.
- Repotting
Flowering quince 'Jet Trail' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot to refresh the soil and allow for continued root growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Flowering quince 'Jet Trail' does well in moderate humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations apart from what is typically found in its natural outdoor environment.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place 'Jet Trail' in a sunny spot and water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant 'Jet Trail' in full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Flowering Quince 'Jet Trail' begins its life cycle as a dormant seed, which after experiencing stratification germinates in the spring. The seedling grows and develops into a young plant, establishing a root system and producing foliage. As it matures, typically within a few years, it begins its reproductive phase, flowering in early spring with white blooms before leafing out. After pollination, it sets fruit that matures in the fall, becoming a food source for wildlife. The fruit contains seeds which are then dispersed, completing the cycle. Throughout its life, 'Jet Trail' undergoes annual cycles of dormancy in winter and active growth in warmer seasons.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Flowering Quince 'Jet Trail' is commonly propagated in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. The most popular method involves hardwood cuttings, which are sections of stem taken from the plant. These cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long, with several nodes where leaves are or were attached. The lower end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a potting mix that is kept moist but not sodden. To create a humid environment, the potted cuttings can be covered with plastic or placed in a greenhouse. It usually takes a few weeks to a few months for the cuttings to root, after which they can be transplanted to their final location.