Caring for a Flowering Quince

The flowering quince is a very hardy and nearly indestructible plant. The flowering quince, unlike many other plants of similar size and style, continues to display flowers during the winter months. The flowers are green, red and white on twisting bare branches. In the spring, the branches are spring-like with shoots that grow quite rapidly. The leaves have small teeth, and the flowers grow in clusters on the last year's wood. In the summer, the flowering quince produces an edible fruit. Though hardy and durable, this plant still needs some care in order to properly thrive.

Placement of the Flowering Quince

Though the flowering quince will grow in nearly any environment, it really shines when placed in the full sun. It will also grow in the shade. For the best possible chance of flower production and growth the flowering quince should be placed in an area of as much direct sunlight as possible.

Proper Soil and Watering

The flowering quince can take hold in poor quality soil. This means that any gardening situation will work for growing the flowering quince. But, like many other plants, the richer the soil the better and healthier the plant. The flowering quince requires a lot of water in its youth but as it matures the need diminishes so take great care that when you water it you do not drown the roots. To help you do this, water the soil at the base of the flowering quince just until you can see the earliest sign of a puddle forming. When you see this puddle it is the proverbial stop sign and you can stop watering. After the flowering quince has fully matured you only need to water it every other day. As a baby, it should be watered 2 to 3 times a day.

Pruning, Trimming and Shaping

Since the flowering quince is a hardy plant that can grow in nearly any conditions, it makes for a great bonsai, meaning you can train the branches. The styles that work best include literati, raft, twin trunk, root-over-rock and cascade. Shaping and training the flowering quince is the most delicate part of raising this plant.

If you do not have the patience for artistic gardening, the flowering quince can also become an impenetrable wall of shrubbery. If you wish for a full bloom and bushy flowerings, cut back older branches every year. To continue the process, diligently prune new growth in late spring.

Preparing for Size

The flowering quince, on average, grows to be about 3 to 6 feet high, but also can be as high as 10 feet. When fully grown, their spread can engulf an area 6 to 12 feet wide. Keep the average growth in mind when planting, especially if you are preparing a privacy hedge or landscape border.