February’s plant spotlight is flowering Quince (Chaenomeles hybrids). Flowering Quinces are hardy, deciduous shrubs in the rose family native to Asia. As one of the first shrubs to bloom in late winter or early spring, they offer a vibrant splash of color when much of the landscape is still dormant. Their showy flowers come in shades of pink, red, or white and typically appear on bare branches before the foliage emerges.

Because blooming occurs on “old wood” (growth from previous years), prune sparingly. To maintain a healthy, dense appearance, use rejuvenation pruning by cutting the oldest stems near the ground. This encourages vigorous new shoots to develop from the base. Depending on the species, flowering Quince can reach heights between 2 and 6 feet and often features a spreading growth habit that may include thorns. These shrubs thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soils, though they are remarkably tolerant of various soil conditions once established. For the most prolific blooming, a location in full sun is ideal. While they are versatile enough for use as foundation plants or a shrub border, gardeners should note that deer will occasionally browse the foliage. In addition to their floral display, these shrubs produce small, apple-like fruits that are highly fragrant, often described as having notes of pineapple, lemon, and vanilla. While these fruits are quite tart when raw, they are excellent for making preserves and jellies.

Jessica Strickland is an Agriculture Extension Agent, specializing in horticulture for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Wayne County.

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