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About this plant
What makes this plant special
Early in the season 'Texas Scarlet' is covered in a profusion of glossy, bright red flowers about 4 cm across, borne singly or in clusters on its bare, thorny branches. Fairly low and dense, it reaches about 1.5 m high and 2 m wide; its small leaves are a glossy dark green, and it flowers most freely in full sun.
Flozering quince Chaenomeles
Flowering quinces (Chaenomeles) are deciduous, usually thorny shrubs from China and Japan, belonging to the rose family. They are loved for their cup-shaped flowers in red, pink, orange or white, which open on bare branches at the very end of winter, followed in autumn by small, fragrant fruits that look like miniature quinces.
Japanese quince Chaenomeles superba
This garden hybrid between the Japanese and Chinese species was raised in Germany around 1900. It combines the compact, slightly tortuous habit of the one with the generous flowering of the other, forming a dense, rounded shrub of around 1.5 m. Single or semi-double flowers open in March and April, just before or with the leaves.
Location and soil
Flowers best in full sun but also grows in partial shade. Plant in ordinary, well-drained soil that stays reasonably moist. Lime is tolerated within limits; only very chalky, dry soils are unsuitable. Very hardy and resistant to urban pollution.
Pruning and care
Prune immediately after flowering, in April and May, by shortening the longest shoots, which flower less as they age. Thin out old and crossing branches now and then to keep the shrub airy and free-flowering.
Use in the garden
Its compact size suits low flowering hedges, mixed borders, small gardens and large containers, and it makes a cheerful specimen near the house. The yellow fruits are edible in jelly.
Plant characteristics
Botanical
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Chaenomeles |
| Species | superba |
| Cultivar | 'Texas Scarlet' |
Flowering
| Flowering period | March to may |
| Colour (flower) | red |
Foliage
| Evergreen | no |
| Colour (foliage) | green |
Growth habit
| Height | 100 cm, 150 cm |
Location
| Winter hardiness | -25 °C |
| Soil type | acid, neutral |
| Location | sun, half shade |
| Soil moisture | moist, dry, normal |
Use
| Type (use) | shrub, ground cover, in group |
| Fruits/berries | eadible, showy |
Care
| Pruning | april to may |
