Flowering Quince Chaenomeles speciosa 'Pink Storm' (PBR)

Names

• Synonyms

  Flowering Quince, Japanese Quince, Japonica, Maule's Quince.

• Common names

  Chaenomeles lagenaria 'Pink Storm', Chaenomeles japonica 'Pink Storm'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant commonly known as Flowering Quince is not widely recognized for its toxicity to humans. While it is typically safe when touched or handled, caution should be exercised as ingestion of seeds could potentially have adverse effects due to the amygdalin content, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and in severe cases, respiratory failure and death.

• To pets

  The Flowering Quince is not generally known to be toxic to pets. However, as with any plant material, ingestion of large quantities could lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always a good idea to prevent pets from having access to or eating any plant material, due to the potential for unforeseen reactions or the presence of pesticides.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  4 feet (1.2 meters)

• Spread

  4 feet (1.2 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  China

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: 'Pink Storm' flowering quince offers striking pink blossoms that enhance the aesthetic appeal of any landscape or garden.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, this cultivar is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal care and maintenance.
• Wildlife Attraction: The flowers provide an early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, while the fruit can attract birds to the garden.
• Long Blooming Period: The 'Pink Storm' variety enjoys a lengthy blooming season, often starting in late winter and continuing into early spring.
• Hardiness: This plant is adaptable to a wide range of climates and can survive in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.
• Compact Growth: It maintains a relatively compact size, making it suitable for smaller gardens or as part of a mixed border.
• Deciduous Interest: In autumn, the foliage turns to shades of yellow and orange, offering additional seasonal interest.
• Privacy and Barrier: With its thorny branches, it can serve as an effective low hedge or barrier against intruders.

Medical Properties

• Inflammation Reduction: Flowering quince contains compounds that may possess anti-inflammatory properties.
• Antioxidant Effects: The plant is rich in antioxidants, which can help in protecting the body from oxidative stress.
• Antimicrobial Activity: Some studies suggest that extracts from flowering quince may have antibacterial and antiviral effects.
• Anti-Diabetic Potential: Flowering quince may influence blood sugar levels, although more research is needed.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Flowering Quince branches can be cut and used as a natural, fragrant indoor decoration; they bring a pop of color and natural beauty to home decor.
• The dense and thorny structure of Flowering Quince can serve as a secure nesting site for birds, providing them shelter and protection from predators.
• To create unique floral arrangements, Flowering Quince stems can be incorporated with other flowers, offering a unique texture and contrast.
• Flowering Quince fruits, while not commonly consumed raw due to their astringency, can be made into jellies, jams, and marmalades after proper cooking and sweetening.
• The plant's tangled branches can be used as a natural barrier or informal hedge in landscaping to discourage trespassing due to its spiny nature.
• In the art of bonsai, Flowering Quince can be cultivated and shaped into miniature forms that mimic aged trees, providing aesthetic pleasure for enthusiasts.
• During off-seasons when the plant is without flowers, the intricate branch patterns of Flowering Quince can provide visual interest in a winter garden landscape.
• The dried fruit of Flowering Quince can be used in crafting potpourri, contributing a subtle natural scent and adding to the visual appeal of the mixture.
• As a subject in photography, the vibrant blossoms of Flowering Quince offer a striking contrast against both natural and structured backdrops, making it a favorite for floral and garden photographers.
• For educational purposes, Flowering Quince can be used to teach pruning techniques, as it responds well to pruning and can demonstrate how plants can be shaped and maintained.

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 and Hardiness: The Chaenomeles speciosa, commonly known as flowering quince, typically blooms in early spring, often while the last frosts are still a threat. This trait symbolizes the plant's resilience and ability to withstand challenging conditions.
• Hope and Renewal: As one of the first shrubs to bloom in the year, the flowering quince is a symbol of hope and the promise of renewal that comes with the onset of spring, representing the cycle of life and new beginnings.
• Beauty and Attraction: With its vivid 'Pink Storm' blossoms, the flowering quince is often associated with beauty and the ability to attract and enchant others, symbolizing the allure and excitement that beauty holds.
• Protection: Historically, the flowering quince's thorny branches made it a plant often used in hedges to protect homes from intruders. This has led to its symbolic meaning of protection and safeguarding what is valuable.
• Fertility and Abundance: The abundance of flowers produced by the flowering quince in the early spring stands as a symbol for fertility and the potential for prolific growth, prosperity, or success in various aspects of life.