About

'Cydonia oblonga 'Champion' (F)' is a semi-dwarf quince tree, reaching approximately 3 meters in height, known for its exceptional fruit yield. Its foliage consists of green leaves with lighter undersides, which emerge prior to the appearance of white-pink blossoms in the spring. The tree produces sizable, pear-shaped yellow fruits that are aromatic and suitable for making jams and jellies. In the fall, the leaves transition to a yellow hue before they drop.

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, Poorly-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Fruit Edible, Trees
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens
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 fertile, moist soil in a warm, sheltered spot. See quince cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 1 but any growth from beneath the graft point, should be removed as soon as possible
Propagation
Propagate by grafting
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