Quince were once coined “one of the most precious and invaluable of the early flowering shrubs” by British author, Mrs. C. W. Earle, so it’s no surprise ‘Cameo’ headlines many gardeners’ top ten lists. Heralding winter’s end, gorgeous double flowers with soft apricot pink shades are poised in stalkless clusters on thick, springy bare branches. Later, fine-toothed deciduous foliage hosts pleasantly perfumed edible reddish yellow fruit, commonly utilized for delicious preserves and as a Chinese remedy for inflammation since 500 A. D. Acquiescent to drought and clay soil, though happiest when allotted a sunny well-drained site, this preeminent cultivar crafts a dense, compact thicket that can be easily maintained along a trail or dramatically spotlit against a wall.

Blooms March–April

Size: 4' 0" – 5' 0" high x 3' 0" – 5' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

Coveted for its close-knit habit and galvanizing deep crimson-red flowers which flaunt showy golden anthers, this bold cultivar has been gracing gardens since 1939. Plentiful cup-shaped blooms are borne on naked twigs well before the lustrous dark green cloak of deciduous foliage appears. ‘Crimson and Gold’s low spreading, more easily managed habit can be espaliered against a wall, while its perfumed greenish yellow fruit makes a zesty addition to pies, jelly and lemonade.

Blooms March–April

Size: 2' 0" – 3' 0" high x 2' 0" – 3' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

Introduced by a German nursery in 1900, this intrepid japonica and speciosa hybrid blazes early flame-red clusters of cup-shaped, gold-eyed flowers on bare, densely interwoven twig-like branches. Small fragrant yellow-green fruit, perfect for jellies and preserves, appear after the profuse sassy blooms fade, while obovate, glossy dark green leaves cloak the compact bushy mound. Delighting bees, birds, floral designers and bonsai enthusiasts, vigorous ‘Texas Scarlet’ can be massed, espaliered, featured as a deciduous specimen, clipped into a low flowering hedge and added to slope, barrier or foundation plantings. It prefers sunny, well-drained sites with average moisture, yet heroically tackles rabbits and deer, occasional dry periods plus various soil types, including clay.

Blooms March–April

Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 3' 0" – 4-1/2' wide.

Hardy to zone 5.