Japanese chaenomeles (Japanese quince) is a slowly growing shrub up to three meters high. It has long, flexible shoots pointing upwards. Valued for its beautiful flowers of bright red or brick red. The buds are collected in inflorescences by
a few pieces, open unevenly, because the flowering period is extended for several weeks. Its foliage also looks decorative: shiny, dark or bright green, ovoid. Fruits of a bright yellow and greenish-yellow hue look no less beautiful against the background of bright greenery.
Japanese chaenomeles grows slowly - no more than 3-6 cm per year. Prefers full sun but thrives well in partial shade. The soil should be fertile and light. It is characterized by high winter hardiness, but at temperatures below -30oC, the ends of the branches may freeze. Under good conditions, the plant blooms and bears fruit annually, tolerates pruning and drought. Due to its unpretentiousness, high decorativeness,
Japanese chaenomeles is used in both single and group plantings. It is also grown ashedge. Two-year-old seedlings are best suited for planting, from which a magnificent Japanese quince then grows.
Recommended planting in early spring before buds open. You can plant this plant in the fall, but the seedlings in this case need to be spudded and insulated. Usually a soil mixture is used: two parts of peat compost and leafy soil and one part of sand. Under each plant, 200 grams of superphosphate, 30 grams of potassium sulfur and 10 kilograms of manure are added. Best of all
Japanese chaenomeles feels on light fertile soils with a slightly acidic reaction. On alkaline soils, it is affected by chlorosis and often dies.
Three top dressings are needed over the summer: nitrogen mixtures are scattered in early spring, and after flowering and fruit removal, potash and phosphorus fertilizers are applied in liquid form: 200-300 grams per 10 liters of water. Mulching is required. Watering - once a month. There is no need for loosening. It is carried out only when weeds are removed.
Japanese chaenomeles are pruned every 5-6 years. The crown is cleaned after flowering: damaged, dry, old branches are removed. On standard species, if necessary, those that develop below the graft are also removed. In severe winters, preparation for frost is necessary: young plants are covered with spruce branches, standard plants are bent to the ground and insulated.
In addition to growing for decorative purposes, the fruit of the Japanese quince is also used. It is also called the "northern lemon" for its largecontent of vitamin C. It has a characteristic odor and is coated with a waxy film that prevents spoilage of the fruit, so that they can be stored for a fairly long period.
Some species of this plant can be grown in tubs. Today, hybrid varieties have been bred with double and semi-double flowers of an uncharacteristic color: pink, white, orange and red-brown. They are very beautiful, but, unlike the original species, they do not differ in winter hardiness. Japanese chaenomeles (photos of some species are presented in the article) is highly decorative and unpretentious in care, which contributes to its high popularity in the design of gardens and household plots.
