Quince 'Vranja' Cydonia oblonga 'Vranja' Nenadovic (F)
ABOUT
'Vranja' is a large, broad-crowned deciduous shrub, or small tree, with leaves grey-hairy beneath and pink-tinged flowers to 5cm wide. Large pear-shaped, green fragrant fruits become golden-yellow when ripe
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Vranja Quince, Bawden's Seedling Quince, Serbian Gold Quince.
Common names
Cydonia oblonga 'Vranja' Nenadovic (F).
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Spread
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Southwest Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Vranja' quince (Cydonia oblonga 'Vranja') is a stunning ornamental tree with attractive pink blossoms that add beauty to any garden.
- Culinary Uses: The fruit of the quince tree can be used in jams, jellies, and pies, providing a unique tart flavor.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers provide a source of nectar for bees, while the fruit can attract birds and other wildlife to the garden.
- Shade Provider: As a medium-sized tree, it can offer shade in gardens and parks, making it a practical addition to landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: This particular cultivar is known for being relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: The 'Vranja' quince has good drought tolerance once established, making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Edible Landscape: As an edible fruit producer, the quince tree is an excellent choice for those looking to create a functional and productive landscape.
- Scented Flowers: The fragrant blossoms provide a pleasant aroma in the spring, enhancing the sensory experience of a garden.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant effects - The fruit of quince (Cydonia oblonga 'Vranja' Nenadovic) is known to contain various phytochemicals that exhibit antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals.
- Digestive aid - Quince has traditionally been used to treat digestive disorders, including constipation and diarrhea, due to its high fiber content.
- Anti-inflammatory - The plant's components, such as flavonoids, may have anti-inflammatory effects that can alleviate conditions like sore throats and gastroenteritis.
- Astringent properties - Quince fruit's high tannin content can act as an astringent, which might be useful in treating cuts and skin irritations.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The fruit of the Quince 'Vranja' Nenadovic can be used to make natural fabric dyes, providing a range of soft yellow to green hues depending on the mordant used.
- Quince seeds can be soaked in water to create a mucilaginous gel that is useful as a hair styling product or conditioner.
- The wood of the Quince tree is hard and dense, making it suitable for crafting small objects like tool handles or carved ornaments.
- Quince fruit can be used in potpourri or as natural room fresheners due to their pleasant fragrance.
- In some cultures, Quince fruits are used as a natural adhesive, especially for mending broken items or as a stiffener for textiles.
- Quince is sometimes used in perfumery, as the fruit and flowers have a strong, pleasant fragrance when distilled.
- Due to its high pectin content, Quince can act as a natural setting agent in jams, jellies, and marmalades made from other fruits that lack pectin.
- The blossoms of the Quince can be candied or used as edible decorations for desserts and pastries.
- Quince fruit can also be incorporated into savory dishes, such as stews or tagines, providing a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- When cut into slices and dried, Quince can be used to make herbal tea blends, adding a unique aroma and taste.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Quince tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Quince tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Fertility: The Quince, Cydonia oblonga 'Vranja' Nenadovic, is often associated with love and fertility due to its historical presence in wedding ceremonies, particularly in Greek tradition where quince was given to brides.
- Protection: In ancient times, it was believed that the quince could protect from evil and was used in rituals to ward off harm and provide security.
- Happiness and Good Fortune: Because of its sweet scent and its role in weddings and celebrations, the quince is sometimes seen as a symbol of happiness and good fortune.
- Longevity and Immortality: With its long-lasting fruit and hardy nature, the quince can also represent longevity and the desire for immortality.
WaterQuince 'Vranja' Nenadovic requires deep watering to ensure the root zone is thoroughly soaked, especially during dry spells, with a gradual reduction in frequency as the plant matures. In general, young trees benefit from about 1-1.5 gallons of water per week, while established trees may need watering every two to three weeks, depending on the weather conditions. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. During the height of summer, you may need to water more frequently, especially in sandy soils. Always water at the base of the tree, avoiding wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of disease.
LightThe Quince 'Vranja' Nenadovic prefers full sun to produce the best fruit and growth. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal for this plant. Planting in a south or west-facing location will ensure that it receives ample sunlight throughout the day. Avoid shaded areas as this can lead to poor fruiting and increased susceptibility to diseases.
TemperatureThe Quince 'Vranja' Nenadovic can tolerate a range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. It can withstand winter temperatures as low as -20°F and summer temperatures above 100°F, although flowering and fruiting are best at temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. Quinces are relatively hardy but benefit from protection from extreme cold during dormant periods.
PruningPruning Quince 'Vranja' Nenadovic is essential to remove dead or diseased wood, thin out crowded branches, and shape the tree for better airflow and light penetration. It should generally be done during the dormant season, late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune annually to maintain the health and productivity of the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilQuince 'Vranja' thrives in a fertile, well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A blend of loamy soil, compost, and sand or perlite can provide the appropriate structure and nutrients for optimal growth.
RepottingQuince 'Vranja' trees, being large and usually grown outdoors, do not require frequent repotting. Instead, they may need occasional transplanting to larger spaces as they grow, but typically not more than once every few years.
Humidity & MistingQuince 'Vranja' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity conditions present in most temperate outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suited for indoor growth; requires ample space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Cydonia oblonga 'Vranja' Nenadovic (F) is Vranja quince. The life cycle begins with seed germination, which occurs in the spring following stratification (cold treatment) to break dormancy. Seedlings grow and mature into young saplings, which may take several years to develop into fruit-bearing trees. Flowering occurs in late spring, with large, solitary, pale pink to white flowers developing on the previous year's growth. Following pollination, typically by bees, the tree produces large, fragrant, pear-shaped fruit that matures in late autumn. The Vranja quince is deciduous, shedding its leaves annually in the fall and entering dormancy over the winter season before the cycle starts anew with the next season's growth and flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for Cydonia oblonga 'Vranja' Nenadovic, commonly known as the Vranja quince, is through cuttings. This technique typically involves taking semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches long (15 to 20 centimeters) with several leaf nodes and should be planted in a well-drained propagating medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite. The base of the cuttings is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development before being placed in the soil. The cuttings then require consistent moisture and warmth but not direct sunlight, and they should be kept under a humidity dome or plastic covering to maintain high humidity around the leaves. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the young quince plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before being planted out the following spring.
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