Flowering Quince Chaenomeles × superba 'Knap Hill Scarlet'
ABOUT
The 'Knap Hill Scarlet' is a striking flowering quince that is widely admired for its beautiful bloom displays. This deciduous shrub is particularly known for its vibrant flowers, which are a deep scarlet hue. The blossoms have a bold, cup-shaped form and typically boast five petals that unfurl to reveal a stunning show of color in the springtime. The 'Knap Hill Scarlet' has a dense, spreading habit with branches that may bear spiny thorns. Its leaves are glossy green, have a somewhat oval shape, and offer a lovely backdrop to the vivid flowers. As the season progresses, the flowering quince can produce small, yellowish-green fruit that may sometimes be tinged with red. These fruits are fragrant and resemble miniature quinces. Overall, the 'Knap Hill Scarlet' has an eye-catching appearance that adds a burst of color to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Flowering Quince, Japanese Quince, Japonica
Common names
Chaenomeles × superba 'Knap Hill Scarlet'.
ToxicityTo humans
The flowering quince 'Knap Hill Scarlet' is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingesting parts of the plant, particularly seeds, may cause stomach upset or discomfort due to the presence of small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Eating large quantities of seeds could potentially lead to more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, convulsions, and even coma, although such extreme cases are rare.
To pets
The flowering quince 'Knap Hill Scarlet' could pose a risk to pets if ingested. Similar to humans, the seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. Symptoms of poisoning in pets could include vomiting, diarrhea, and more serious conditions like difficulty breathing or convulsions if large quantities of seeds are eaten. It's important to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from consuming parts of this plant to avoid potential toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Scarlet
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: Produces attractive scarlet flowers that enhance garden aesthetics.
- Attracts Wildlife: The blooms provide nectar for bees and other pollinators.
- Erosion Control: Can be used on slopes and banks to help prevent soil erosion.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Flowering Quince requires minimal care and can tolerate neglect.
- Drought Resistance: The plant is fairly drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: It can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Adaptability: This plant can adapt to a range of soil types, as long as there is good drainage.
- Hedge and Barrier: The thorny branches make it suitable for use as a security hedge or living fence.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides early spring color when many other plants are still dormant.
- Compact Size: Relatively small growth habit makes it suitable for smaller gardens or spaces.
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's branches can be used in floral arrangements, providing a splash of vibrant color and a unique structural element to bouquets and centerpieces.
- The dense, thorny nature of Flowering Quince makes it an excellent option for creating natural security barriers or living fences around property lines or sensitive areas.
- Its spring blossoms are beneficial for supporting early season pollinators, such as bees, which rely on the nectar and pollen when few other flowers are in bloom.
- Flowering Quince fruit can be used as a natural source of pectin for making jellies and preserves, though it requires added sugar due to its tartness.
- The wood of Flowering Quince can be used in small woodworking projects or as specialty smoking chips to impart a unique flavor to smoked meats.
- It serves as an educational tool in botany and horticulture programs, exemplifying plant grafting techniques and hybrid plant development.
- Bonsai enthusiasts may utilize Flowering Quince for its attractive blooming features and suitability for the art of bonsai creation.
- The plant can be cultivated to create unique topiary forms in ornamental gardens, showcasing gardeners' clipping and shaping skills.
- Flowering Quince can be used in wildlife gardens, providing a food source for birds who eat the fruit once it ripens.
- Its vibrant flowers can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics or artwork, producing shades of soft yellow to green.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiFlowering Quince is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityFlowering Quince is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience – Chaenomeles × superba 'Knap Hill Scarlet', commonly known as Flowering Quince, often blooms early in spring, showing resilience against the cold winter temperatures.
- Prosperity – In Eastern culture, the Flowering Quince is sometimes associated with wealth and prosperity, possibly due to its abundant bright blooms.
- Beauty and attraction – With its vibrant scarlet flowers, the Flowering Quince symbolizes beauty and the power of attraction.
- Protection – Historically, the thorny branches of the Flowering Quince were thought to protect homes from evil when planted nearby.
- Fidelity – Because it is a hardy plant that can endure, it has also come to symbolize loyalty and fidelity in relationships.
WaterFlowering quince 'Knap Hill Scarlet' should be watered deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch about an inch below the surface, typically once a week during active growth periods in spring and summer. Depending on your climate and the size of the plant, this could mean applying approximately 1 to 2 gallons of water for each watering session to ensure moisture reaches the root zone. During fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to every two to three weeks or less, as the plant requires less moisture while dormant. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases and instead water at the base of the plant.
LightFlowering quince 'Knap Hill Scarlet' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for planting is where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. However, in hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense heat. Avoid deep shade, as this can reduce flowering and cause the plant to become leggy.
TemperatureFlowering quince 'Knap Hill Scarlet' is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to around -20°F, making it suitable for cooler climates. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F but can tolerate summer highs up to 90°F. Avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature drops and frost after new growth has begun in the spring.
PruningFlowering quince 'Knap Hill Scarlet' should be pruned to shape the plant, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage a robust structure. Prune immediately after flowering to maximize bloom potential for the next season, as the plant flowers on old wood. For best results, selectively prune about one-third of the oldest stems to the ground each year, which promotes new growth and rejuvenates the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFlowering quince 'Knap Hill Scarlet' thrives in well-drained, fertile loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. For optimal growth, mix garden soil with compost and peat moss to increase fertility and drainage. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
RepottingFlowering quince 'Knap Hill Scarlet' doesn't require frequent repotting and generally prefers to be left undisturbed. Repot every 3-5 years or when it outgrows the pot. Repotting is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingFlowering quince 'Knap Hill Scarlet' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels, but prefers average room humidity. It does well in outdoor settings where it can get natural atmospheric moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light and cooler temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Chaenomeles × superba 'Knap Hill Scarlet', commonly known as Flowering Quince 'Knap Hill Scarlet', begins with seed germination, which occurs in spring following stratification. After sprouting, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants, forming a small shrub with distinctive foliage. As it matures, typically within 2-4 years, it begins to produce buds that develop into bright red flowers, often before the leaves emerge in early spring. Following pollination, usually by insects, the plant produces small, apple-like pomes that contain seeds for the next generation. During its adult phase, which can span several decades, the shrub undergoes cycles of growth, flowering, and fruiting annually. In late autumn or early winter, the plant enters dormancy, shedding leaves and conserving energy until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chaenomeles × superba 'Knap Hill Scarlet', commonly known as Flowering Quince, can be propagated through various methods, but semi-hardwood cuttings are the most popular. Propagation is typically done in late summer. To propagate by cuttings, you would take a healthy, semi-hardwood stem segment of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long. The cutting should have several leaves but remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development, then plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix. The pot should then be placed in a warm location with indirect sunlight and the soil kept moist until the cutting has rooted, which may take several weeks. Covering the pot with a plastic bag can help maintain humidity, but be sure to open it occasionally to prevent mold growth.
