Flowering Quince Chaenomeles × superba 'Nicoline'
ABOUT
Chaenomeles × superba 'Nicoline', commonly known as flowering quince 'Nicoline', is a striking deciduous shrub known for its showy appearance. It is adorned with a profusion of vibrant red, cup-shaped flowers that bloom profusely in the early spring, drawing attention before the foliage emerges. These blossoms often attract pollinators like bees to the garden. Following the flowering phase, the plant produces green foliage, which consists of glossy, oval-shaped leaves that may take on a slightly bronze hue. As the seasons advance, the flowering quince 'Nicoline' may also produce small, fragrant fruits, similar in appearance to apples albeit much smaller and not commonly eaten fresh due to their bitter taste. The branching habit of this plant forms a dense thicket, with the branches occasionally showcasing thorns. This intertwining branch structure provides an excellent habitat for local wildlife, offering shelter and nesting opportunities for birds. The overall appearance of the flowering quince 'Nicoline' is that of a dense, bushy shrub with a rounded shape, composing a lively and colorful addition to mixed borders, shrub borders, or as an informal hedge which can significantly contribute to the aesthetic appeal of a garden landscape throughout much of the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Flowering Quince, Japanese Quince, Ornamental Quince, Superba Quince.
Common names
Chaenomeles × superba 'Nicoline'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as flowering quince can be toxic if ingested. It contains compounds such as cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when digested. Symptoms of poisoning may include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shock, and potentially could be fatal if ingested in large quantities.
To pets
Flowering quince is also considered toxic to pets. Like in humans, the ingestion of this plant can lead to symptoms resulting from cyanide release, such as gastrointestinal upset - indicated by vomiting and diarrhea. More severe symptoms can entail difficulty in breathing and even shock. Pet owners should prevent animals from ingesting any part of the plant and seek veterinary attention if they suspect their pet has eaten flowering quince.
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: The flowering quince is prized for its attractive red, orange, or salmon-pink flowers which bloom in early spring, adding color and visual interest to gardens.
- Hardiness: It is a hardy shrub that can tolerate a range of temperatures and is suitable for growing in USDA zones 4 through 8.
- Low maintenance: Requiring minimal care once established, this plant is ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Drought resistance: Once established, the flowering quince is relatively drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in drier climates.
- Wildlife attraction: The blossoms provide an early source of nectar for pollinators, while the fruit can attract birds and other wildlife to the garden.
- Compact growth: This hybrid variety typically remains smaller than its parent species, making it suitable for smaller gardens or spaces.
- Hedge and barrier plant: The dense growth and thorny branches of the flowering quince make it an ideal choice for creating hedges or natural barriers.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chaenomeles × superba 'Nicoline', commonly known as Flowering Quince, can be used in bonsai cultivation due to its attractive blossoms and hardy nature that allows for careful shaping and pruning.
- The twiggy branches of the Flowering Quince can be harvested and arranged in floral displays, providing a rustic and natural charm to bouquets and indoor decorations.
- The fruits of the Flowering Quince are aromatic and can be used to scent drawers and wardrobes, much like sachets of dried lavender or rose petals.
- When planted as a hedge, the dense growth of the Flowering Quince can function as a barrier to deter wildlife and unauthorized entry into private areas.
- The Flowering Quince's dense thorny branches make it an ideal plant for creating living fences or barriers to protect gardens from grazing animals.
- The plant's fruit can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding hues that range from soft yellows to deep oranges depending on mordant used.
- Flowering Quince wood, being quite hard and dense, may sometimes be used in small woodworking projects, such as the handles for tools or carved ornaments.
- The bold colors of Flowering Quince blossoms can inspire artists and can be incorporated as a subject in painting and photography, capturing the vibrant early spring blooms.
- The slightly acidic pH of Flowering Quince fruit juice can be utilized in the kitchen for culinary purposes similar to lemon juice, such as in marinades or to prevent browning of cut fruits.
- Gardeners may use the cut branches of Flowering Quince as a natural rooting hormone source, by placing them in water along with other cuttings to encourage root growth.
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- Admiration: Chaenomeles × superba 'Nicoline', commonly known as Flowering Quince 'Nicoline', often symbolizes admiration due to its striking blooms that stand out in early spring.
- Resilience: The plant's ability to withstand challenging conditions and still produce beautiful flowers represents resilience and the ability to endure hard times.
- Temptation: In some cultural contexts, the luscious color and early blooming of the Flowing Quince can symbolize seduction and temptation.
- Prosperity: Given its abundant and vibrant blossoms, the Flowering Quince 'Nicoline' is sometimes associated with wealth and prosperity.
- Renewal: As one of the first plants to bloom in spring, it embodies the idea of rebirth and the beginning of a new cycle.
WaterThe Flowering Quince 'Nicoline' should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, with adjustments made for rainfall. Provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water at each watering session to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the winter, reduce watering but don’t let the soil completely dry out, providing perhaps 1 gallon every two weeks depending on weather conditions. Water the plant at the soil level to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightThe Flowering Quince 'Nicoline' prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives when planted in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, but it will also tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade as it will reduce flowering and can make the plant more susceptible to disease.
TemperatureThe Flowering Quince 'Nicoline' is hardy in a temperature range typically found between -20°F to 90°F. It prefers a temperate climate and can withstand brief periods of colder winters. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth and blooming is between 60°F and 80°F.
PruningPrune the Flowering Quince 'Nicoline' to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. This is best done immediately after flowering to allow time for new growth, which will produce next year's blooms. Thinning out older branches every few years will encourage better air circulation and light penetration, enhancing overall plant health. Pruning can be done annually or biennially, depending on the plant's growth and desired shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe flowering quince (Chaenomeles × superba 'Nicoline') thrives in loamy, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant.
RepottingFlowering quince (Chaenomeles × superba 'Nicoline') typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to prevent root crowding and renew soil nutrients.
Humidity & MistingFlowering quince (Chaenomeles × superba 'Nicoline') is tolerant of average humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions for growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and cool temps for indoor flowering quince.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or part-shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Flowering Quince 'Nicoline' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in spring or early summer after experiencing stratification. Once the seedling emerges, it spends the next few years growing and maturing into a woody, deciduous shrub with a dense thicket of branches. In early spring before the leaves fully develop, 'Nicoline' enters its flowering stage, showcasing a profusion of bright red, orange, or pink flowers, attracting pollinators such as bees. After flowering, the plant develops small, apple-like fruits that can be left to provide food for wildlife or harvested for culinary uses like jellies. Throughout the growing season, 'Nicoline' continues to put on new growth in the form of leaves and stems, thickening and expanding its shape. As winter approaches, the plant enters dormancy, shedding its leaves and conserving energy for the next cycle of growth and bloom in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Chaenomeles × superba 'Nicoline', commonly known as the Flowering Quince 'Nicoline', is typically propagated by softwood cuttings. The optimal time for taking these cuttings is late spring to early summer when new growth appears. To propagate, one would cut a section of stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, with several leaves attached. The bottom end of the cutting should be cut just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves should be removed. Dipping the cut end into rooting hormone can encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a moist, well-draining soil mix and kept under conditions of high humidity, often with a plastic cover to retain moisture. It may take several weeks for roots to develop, after which the new Flowering Quince 'Nicoline' can be transplanted into the garden.
