Flowering Quince

Name: Flowering Quince - Kahikatea Farm Certified Organic Nursery and Permaculture Farm
Price: 26.00 NZD
Availability: InStock

Chaenomeles speciosa

$26.00

Hardy deciduous shrub, related to both true quinces and Chinese Quinces and similar to Japonicas (C. japonica) but growing larger. Native to China, Tibet, and Myanmar, Flowering Quince is renowned for its profuse scarlet-red blooms. These are followed in late summer by small edible apple-shaped fruit 3–4 cm in diameter. The plants are self-fertile and extremely ornamental. Height 2m x spread 3m

11cm pot

Cultivation

These shrubs are tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including poor and salty soil. They also happy in full sun, part shade or shade, which makes them a useful component of a food forest shrub layer (note that fruiting will be reduced in shade however). Prune in spring to stimulate flowering spurs for a wonderful winter display.

Uses

The fruit are not really edible raw but can be used just like quinces – processed into paste (or fruit ‘cheese’), liqueurs, jam and preserves etc on their own or mixed with other fruit. They contain more pectin than apples and true quinces, so can be used to aid setting of low pectin fruit.

Flowering Quince are great bee plants, flowering very early in the year and providing an excellent source of pollen and nectar.

The branches have a tendency to be spiny – utilise this property by planting underneath a window to deter burglars!

Medicinal Uses

The fruits have been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Said to be warm in nature and sour in flavour, it is used to calm the liver, relax the muscles and tendons, harmonize the stomach and eliminate dampness. Flowering quince fruit is used to prevent and/or treat rheumatism, cholera, dysentery, enteritis, beriberi, vitamin C deficiency syndrome, neuralgia, migraine, stroke and depression. Modern science has isolated beneficial chemical constituents including triterpenoid, phenolic and phenylpropionic acids, flavonoids, saccharides, essential oils and alkaloids.

Primary Actions: anti‑inflammatory, antinociceptive, antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunoregulatory, antiparkinsonian, hepatoprotective and antitumor properties.

Parts Used: Fruit

History / Folklore / Further Info

The genus name “Chaenomeles” is derived from the Greek words “chaínein,” meaning “to yawn,” and “mēlon,” meaning “apple” – a description of the fruit which supposedly resembles a gaping mouth when cut open.

In Chinese culture, the flowering quince symbolises good luck, prosperity and beauty. The flowers are a common feature of traditional paintings and are displayed during celebrations like the Lunar New Year. In Japan, Chaenomeles speciosa represents strength, vitality and perseverance.

Shipping Advice

N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.

Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.

Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.

Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.

Medical disclaimer

Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.

We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.

Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.

Certified Organic Plant