Chinese flowering quince and Flowering quince are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, hedge, pollinator friendly, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Chaenomeles speciosa 2 m × 2 m after 10 years
A dense, spiny shrub that reaches head height and flowers in early spring before the leaves: depending on the cultivar the white, pink or red blooms…
Chaenomeles × superba 1.2 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
A low, spreading, thorny deciduous shrub that covers itself in large, waxy, mostly red flowers in early spring before the leaves, when little else…
Flowering quince is cheaper: about €6.40 at the size usually planted, against about €9.90 for Chinese flowering quince.
|
Feature
|
Chinese flowering quince
|
Flowering quince
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 2 m × 2 m | 1.2 m × 1.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 1.5–3 m × 1.8–3 m | 0.9–1.5 m × 1.2–2.5 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | March–April, red, pink, white, orange | March–May, red, orange, pink, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 150 cm | 100 cm |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €9.90 | approx. €6.40 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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