shrub

Japanese quince

Chaenomeles japonica

Updated 8 Jul 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) — a shrub, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Sunlightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium

↑ Gives back

Fruitedible, tart
Nectarattracts pollinators
Pollenattracts pollinators

Through the year

Flowering

Flowers in early spring after chill fulfillment, typically in March.

Fruiting

Fruits develop after flowering, maturing in late summer to early autumn.

Harvest

Fruits are typically harvested in September or October when fully ripe.

Senescence

Leaves senesce and drop after the first autumn frost.

Timing is relative to your local season (temperate Northern Hemisphere).

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Soil textureloam, clay, sand
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseeds, cuttings, division
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~2 yr
Stratificationcold_moist
Self-seedingLight
Divisionautumn

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, butterflies
Can host pestsaphids, scale insects, codling moth
Can host diseasesfire blight, leaf spot