Chaenomeles
Quince
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.