Chaenomeles speciosa 'Simonii' (d)

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese quince 'Simonii'

Synonyms

Chaenomeles 'Tosa Simonii'

Shrubs Fruit Edible

A low-growing, spreading deciduous shrub to 1m in height, with dark green, glossy leaves. Clusters of large, double, dark blood-red flowers are produced in spring on bare branches, followed, in autumn, by aromatic green-yellow fruits. These can be used to make jams and jellies but please see notes on toxicity for further advice

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Fruit
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruitusually grown as an ornamental shrub. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Chaenomeles are deciduous, usually spiny shrubs with simple leaves and cup-shaped, 5-petalled flowers, solitary or clustered, in spring, followed by edible often fragrant green or yellow fruits
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Grow in full sun for the best flowering and fruiting. See quince cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Hedging and screens
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 2, or pruning group 13 if wall-trained

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects, brown scale and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight, blossom wilt, brown rot and honey fungus (rarely)