About
Chaenomeles x superba is a rounded deciduous shrub that typically reaches a height of around 1.5 meters. Its branches are spiny and it features glossy leaves with serrated edges. In spring through early summer, it produces clusters of cup-shaped blooms in white, pink, orange, and red hues, appearing alongside or before the foliage. After flowering, the plant bears aromatic green fruit, which matures to a yellow color. This fruit can be utilized in the preparation of jams and jellies; however, it is important to consult toxicity notes for guidance.
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
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
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
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard 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
- Prune after flowering; pruning group 2 if grown as a bush, or pruning group 13 if trained against a wall
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by 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)