Flowering Quince Chaenomeles × superba 'Pink Lady'
ABOUT
The Pink Lady is a captivating flowering shrub notable for its attractive spring blossoms. Its branches burst forth with a profusion of pink flowers that have a delicate and alluring appeal. These blooms, which typically appear before the leaves, are single and feature five rounded petals surrounding a center of numerous stamens, giving the flowers a frilly, ornamental look. The petals often exhibit a soft to vibrant pink hue that can bring a splash of color to a garden landscape. Following the floral display, the Pink Lady produces glossy, green leaves that are sharply toothed along the edges. The foliage adds a lush backdrop to the flowers and maintains the plant's visual interest throughout the growing season. In the autumn, the leaves may turn to hues of oranges and reds, lending a fiery aspect to its appearance before they drop for the winter. Additionally, the plant may bear fragrant, apple-like fruit that are yellow-green, adding yet another layer of ornamental value. These fruits can hang on the branches into winter, providing visual interest during the colder months, and can also serve as a food source for birds and wildlife. Overall, the Pink Lady boasts a charming and decorative presence in a garden setting with its combination of striking blooms, vibrant foliage, and quaint fruit.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Flowering Quince, Japanese Quince, Japonica.
Common names
Chaenomeles × superba 'Pink Lady'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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: 'Pink Lady' adds aesthetic appeal to landscapes with its attractive pink flowers during the spring.
- Wildlife attraction: The plant provides a source of nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it is relatively tolerant to dry conditions, requiring less watering than many other shrubs.
- Low maintenance: It generally requires only minimal pruning and care once it has settled into its location.
- Compact size: Suitable for smaller gardens or spaces due to its moderate growth habit.
- Hardiness: It's able to withstand cold temperatures, making it a good choice for many temperate climates.
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 used for decorative flower arrangements. Their vibrant blossoms provide a striking aesthetic when cut and placed in a vase.
- The thorny branches may serve as a natural deterrent for animals when planted as a hedge, offering a protective barrier around property borders or gardens.
- Mature fruit can be used as a natural pectin source when making jellies or preserves, due to its high content.
- The fruit of Flowering Quince, though not palatable raw, can be made into aromatic quince liqueur or quince wine after appropriate processing.
- Bonsai enthusiasts may use Flowering Quince for creating miniature trees, as it can be shaped effectively and bears attractive flowers.
- Flowering Quince can be used in crafts, such as making dyes from the flowers or fruit, yielding colors ranging from soft pinks to deep reds.
- The dense foliage and flowers can provide shelter and nesting sites for small birds in the garden, enhancing biodiversity.
- In photography, Flowering Quince often serves as a striking subject for botanical photography due to its distinct blooms.
- Flowering Quince fruit may be used as an ingredient in homemade skincare products, like scrubs or masks, after proper preparation.
- The plant can be involved in educational activities, teaching propagation techniques such as grafting or layering in horticulture classes.
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- Resilience: The Pink Lady flowering quince is known for its hardiness and its ability to withstand tough conditions, symbolizing the resilience and strength to persevere through challenges.
- Beauty and Grace: With its beautiful pink blossoms, the Pink Lady flowering quince represents beauty, grace, and the appreciation of aesthetic pleasures.
- Renewal: As a plant that blossoms in early spring, it is commonly associated with renewal, new beginnings, and the reawakening of nature after winter.
- Fertility and Abundance: Flowering quince fruit is linked to fertility and abundance, making it a symbol of prosperity and wealth.
- Protection: The thorns of the Pink Lady flowering quince were believed to ward off negative energies and evil spirits, representing protection and safety.
WaterFlowering Quince 'Pink Lady' should be watered deeply and evenly to maintain moist soil, especially during its first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. Generally, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water should suffice, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. In hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Be aware that over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure the plant has well-draining soil.
LightFlowering Quince 'Pink Lady' thrives best in full sun to light shade. The ideal spot for this plant is in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If planted in too much shade, the plant may not bloom as profusely. Avoid heavily shaded areas, which can also promote fungal diseases due to lack of sun and poor air circulation.
TemperatureFlowering Quince 'Pink Lady' is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures; however, it grows best when the temperature is between 60°F and 80°F. It can tolerate winter cold down to about -10°F and summer heat up to around 100°F. For optimal flowering and fruiting, avoid placing it in locations where temperatures exceed these extremes for prolonged periods.
PruningPrune Flowering Quince 'Pink Lady' to shape the plant, remove dead or damaged wood, and encourage more prolific blooming. The best time for pruning is immediately after flowering to avoid cutting off next year's buds. Typically, light annual pruning to remove a few of the oldest branches is sufficient to maintain its shape and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFlowering quince 'Pink Lady' thrives best in well-drained loamy soil enriched with organic matter. The pH preference for this deciduous shrub is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing garden soil, compost, and some sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage can create an optimal growth medium.
RepottingFlowering quince 'Pink Lady' does not require frequent repotting and is generally repotted every 3-5 years. Younger plants will benefit from more frequent repotting, while mature plants can be left undisturbed longer.
Humidity & MistingFlowering quince 'Pink Lady' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the typical humidity found outdoors. It doesn't require specific humidity conditions when planted in the garden.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit spot, avoid dry air and extreme heat.
Outdoor
Plant in sun/part shade, protect from wind, mulch well.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Chaenomeles × superba 'Pink Lady' is Flowering Quince 'Pink Lady'. The life cycle begins with seed germination, which occurs in a moist, well-drained soil environment, followed by the seedling stage where initial roots and shoots develop. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, stems and leaves expand, and the plant establishes a strong root system. Next, during the flowering stage, 'Pink Lady' produces its notable pink blossoms in early spring, which are important for attracting pollinators. Following pollination, the plant develops fruit, which typically matures in the fall, containing seeds to begin the next generation. Lastly, in the dormant stage during winter, the plant conserves energy and resources, losing its leaves and preparing for another growth cycle in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Flowering Quince 'Pink Lady', a very popular ornamental shrub known for its stunning pink blossoms, is typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is during the late summer. To propagate by cuttings, one should select a healthy, disease-free branch and make a cutting about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length, ensuring that it has several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, making sure a couple of nodes are buried where roots will form. The container should be kept in indirect light and the soil should be consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to encourage rooting. After several weeks, once rooting has occurred, the new plants can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before planting out in the garden.
