About
Cydonia oblonga is a sizable shrub or small tree characterized by densely packed branches that support broad, oval leaves. The leaves are mid-green on the upper side and have a gray, fuzzy texture underneath. In late spring, this plant produces solitary flowers that range in color from pale pink to white. These blooms give way to fragrant, golden-yellow fruit that is pear-shaped and edible. Various cultivated varieties of quince have emerged from this species.
About the genus
Cydonia consists of sizable deciduous shrubs featuring simple, ovate foliage. The plants produce bowl-shaped flowers with five petals, which can be pink or white. After flowering, they bear fruits resembling pears, which are suitable for consumption once they mature.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Fruit Edible, Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- W Asia
- 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 deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered spot in full sun. See quince cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate the species by seed sown in autumn. Species and cultivars may be propagated by grafting, semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in autumn/early winter
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to caterpillars and aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to quince leaf blight, brown rot, fireblight, powdery mildews and honey fungus