Flowering quince and Japanese quince are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
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…
Chaenomeles japonica 1 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
Japanese quince is a knee to waist high, wide-spreading thorny shrub that covers itself in orange-red flowers in early spring before the leaves, a…
Flowering quince grows larger: 1.2 m × 1.5 m after ten years, against 1 m × 1.5 m for Japanese quince.
|
Feature
|
Flowering quince
|
Japanese quince
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 1.2 m × 1.5 m | 1 m × 1.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 0.9–1.5 m × 1.2–2.5 m | 0.6–1 m × 0.9–2 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–May, red, orange, pink, white | March–April, orange, red |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 100 cm | 100 cm |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €6.40 | approx. €6.20 |
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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