Japanese quince 'Rowallane' Chaenomeles × superba 'Rowallane'

Water

The Flowering Quince should be watered deeply to foster a healthy root system but it's important to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. During the growing season, this might translate to watering once every week or two, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. In the winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant goes dormant. Adjustments should be made based on rainfall and temperature, always checking the soil moisture before watering again.

Light

The Flowering Quince thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. It will perform well in a spot that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade or filtered light to protect it from the intense heat of the day.

Temperature

The Flowering Quince is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, but ideally, it should be grown in an environment where temperatures stay between 50°F and 85°F. It can survive in temperatures as low as 0°F and can tolerate up to 100°F, although prolonged exposure to these extremes should be avoided to prevent stress to the plant.

Pruning

Prune the Flowering Quince immediately after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage the growth of flowers for the next season. Pruning is also necessary to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Thinning out overcrowded branches every few years will facilitate good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring, just before the new growth starts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Flowering Quince 'Rowallane' thrives in a well-draining loamy soil mix, enhanced with organic matter such as compost or leaf mold. A slightly acidic to neutral pH balance, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, is ideal for this plant.

Repotting

The Flowering Quince 'Rowallane' should generally be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, less frequently as it matures.

Humidity & Misting

The Flowering Quince 'Rowallane' prefers moderate humidity levels, typical of outdoor conditions, without the need for special humidity adjustments when grown in its natural environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light and cool winters for indoor Flowering Quince.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to part shade.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Superb Quince (Chaenomeles × superba 'Rowallane') begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in spring, after experiencing cold stratification. The seedling emerges and, given suitable conditions of sunlight, water, and nutrient-rich soil, will establish roots and develop foliage. As it matures into a shrub, it undergoes a vigorous period of growth, forming a dense thicket of spiny branches that bear glossy green leaves. After a few years, the plant reaches maturity and begins to produce fragrant blossoms in shades of pink or red in early spring, before the leaves appear. Pollinated flowers will develop into small, apple-like fruit by the late summer or fall, which are generally not considered palatable for humans but can attract wildlife. Each year, the plant continues its cycle of blossoming and fruiting, and with adequate care, it can live for several decades.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Flowering Quince 'Rowallane' is through softwood cuttings. This process is typically performed in late spring or early summer when new growth is still flexible yet mature enough to handle cutting and rooting. To propagate, gardeners will cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) section of stem from the new growth. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots have developed, which could take several weeks. Once the cutting has established a strong root system, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.