How big does Flowering quince grow?

About 1.2 m × 1.5 m after ten years (height × width).

What soil does Flowering quince grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic.

Is Flowering quince hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Flowering quince be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Flowering quince be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 1 m between plants. For a hedge, allow 2 plants per metre.

When does Flowering quince flower?

Flowering: March–May, red, orange, pink, white.

How much water does Flowering quince need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Flowering quince cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 2,400 to HUF 10,000 in local shops, depending on size.

Flowering quince

Chaenomeles × superba

Flowering quince (Chaenomeles × superba) is a shrub that reaches 1.2 m × 1.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about HUF 2,400.

Illustration of Flowering quince — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, spreading, thorny deciduous shrub that covers itself in large, waxy, mostly red flowers in early spring before the leaves, when little else is in bloom. In autumn it ripens fragrant yellow-green quinces that are hard and sour raw but excellent for jam and jelly. It is undemanding and tolerates drought, but the leaves turn yellow on very limy soil and late frost can take the flower buds.

Watch out for

In Central Europe watch for fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): a dangerous bacterial disease in which shoot tips look scorched, and which can spread to apple, pear and quince. On strongly limy, alkaline soil the leaves turn yellow from iron deficiency (chlorosis), which can be a problem in many gardens of the region. In wet springs fungal leaf spot can strip much of the foliage by midsummer, blossom wilt can affect the flowers and aphids the young shoots. Late spring frost can ruin the early flower buds.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.2 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–May, red, orange, pink, white

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.2 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	0.9–1.5 m × 1.2–2.5 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–May, red, orange, pink, white
Harvest	September–October
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	100 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about HUF 2,400

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-30 cm	approx. HUF 2,400
40-60 cm	approx. HUF 2,800
50+ cm	approx. HUF 2,800
size not stated	approx. HUF 2,800 – HUF 10,000

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Shrubs for part shade Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant shrubs Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Hedge plants Low hedge plants Shrubs for pollinators Low-maintenance shrubs Flowering shrubs Low shrubs Plants with edible fruit

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Flowering quince vs Chinese flowering quince Flowering quince vs Japanese quince Flowering quince vs Shrub rose

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