About

This compact cultivar features oval leaves characterized by their grey, fuzzy undersides. In the spring, it produces white to pale pink blossoms that give way to aromatic, round yellow fruits. These edible fruits can be harvested in early autumn.

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
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Trees, Fruit Edible
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
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 a deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun in a warm, sheltered spot; see quince cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by grafting or by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids and caterpillars
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to quince leaf blight, fireblight, brown rot and powdery mildews