Chapter 85 Pseudocydonia sp., Chaenomeles sp.
85.1 Flowering quinces
A Chinese Quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis)_ bonsai on display at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the United States National Arboretum. According to the tree’s display placard, it has been in training since 1875._ Link to original image.
Several species fall under the generic “flowering quinces” umbrella.
| Scientific Name | Commmon Name | Native | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pseudocydonia (Chaenomeles) sinensis | Chinese quince | China | note |
| Chaenomeles speciosa | Chinese flowering quince | China and Korea | note |
| Chaenomeles japonica | Japanese flowering quince | Japan | note |
Chinese quinces (Pseudocydonia) are closely related to both the Japanese and Chinese flowering quinces (Chaenomeles), and some authorities include all three species within the one genus.
Chinese quince differs from the two flowering quinces in it lacks thorns, and the flowers are produced singly, not in clusters. They also develop fruits more easily.
A large Chinese quince laden with fruit. Link to original image.
85.2 Common Colors of Flowering Quinces
Near white Chinese quince. Link to original image.
Bicolored flowering quince. Link to original image.
Pink Chinese quince. Link to original image.
Clear pink Japanese quince. Link to original image.
Tomato-hued Japanese quince. Link to original image.
Dark red Japanese quince. Link to original image.
Close-up of Japanese quince flowers. Link to original image.
85.3 Soil: Moist Deciduous Mix
Ratio: 4 parts bark, 1 part grit
Add-ins: dolomitic limestone (~5 lbs/yd), Tree-Tone (15 lbs/yd)
pH: ~6.5 (slightly below neutral)
Moisture: Average
85.4 Light
Full sun. Mid-day shade in summer if needed.
85.5 Cultivation Notes
85.5.1 Potting & Root Pruning
Prefers to be repotted in fall. Spring repotting is possible with care before leaf-buds extend. Roots can be cut back by about half if necessary.
85.5.1.1 Top & Branch Management
Heavy pruning: prune after flowering. Leave new shoots til late summer, then cut back hard to 2 nodes.
Fine pruning: basal growth and suckers should be removed unless required, as they prevent the trunk from thickening. Remove faded flowers to ensure energy is not lost on fruit production. Some cultivars may need to be cut back hard to encourage branch formation.
Leaf pruning: not recommended. Fruiting and flowering can sap the plant’s energy dramatically, so pick off developing fruit and flower buds, especially in young bonsai.
Wiring: Chaenomeles can be wired from spring through the end of summer, leaving the wire on for up to four months, and can be repeated yearly.
85.5.2 Feeding
Feed every two weeks from AFTER the flowering period until leaves fall. Feeding too early will prevent flowering. Some varieties have random blooms throughout the season; these need to be fed when growing actively.
Use liquid bonsai fertilizer or half- strength plant food. Proper feeding is essential for good flowering. Calcium in the soil helps to form fruit and flowers.
85.5.3 Pests & Problems
Susceptible to fungal leaf spot (particularly in years with heavy spring rainfall) which can cause considerable leaf defoliation. Fireblight and scab can be problems in some areas. Aphids can cause significant damage to new growth. Lesser pests include scale and mites. Chlorosis (yellowing of foliage) will occur in high pH soils. Flower buds are susceptible to significant damage from early spring frosts.
85.5.4 Winter Storage
Store in mulch outdoors. Protect in frosts below 5°C though without exposure to cold quinces flower poorly, if at all.
85.6 Propagation Notes
Seeds need to be cold-treated before sowing in spring, but will germinate rapidly.
Softwood cuttings may be taken in summer,or hardwood cuttings in winter, but cuttings will root slowly. Clumps may be propagated through division.
85.7 Artistic & Styling Notes
85.8 Additional Information
85.8.1 Natural History
85.8.2 In Cultivation
Best flowering occurs in full sun. Plants bloom on old growth. Avoid heavy pruning. Prune to shape as needed in spring after flowering to stimulate growth of flowering spurs which will improve bloom for the following year (although such pruning will reduce fruit production for the current year). Promptly remove root suckers to control possible spread.