About
This low-growing, spreading shrub reaches heights of approximately 1 to 1.2 meters. It features dark green foliage and produces sizable, single crimson blooms with noticeable yellow stamens. These flowers adorn the branches in spring, appearing either before or simultaneously with the leaf buds. Following the flowering period, the plant bears aromatic green-yellow fruit, which can be utilized in making jams and jellies. However, it is important to consult toxicity information before use.
About the genus
Chaenomeles consists of deciduous shrubs that are typically spiny, featuring simple leaves. In spring, these plants produce cup-shaped flowers with five petals, which may appear alone or in clusters. After flowering, they bear edible fruits that are often fragrant, ranging in color from green to yellow.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Fragrance
- Fruit
- Toxicity
- Seeds contain toxins so these should be removed if you are considering eating the fruit, usually grown as an ornamental shrub. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun or part shade in well-drained soil, lime tolerant but may become chlorotic on very alkaline soils
- Pruning
- Pruning group 2
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering in autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects, brown scale and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fireblight, blossom wilt, brown rot and honey fungus (rarely)