About

A spreading shrub up to 6m high or (in areas with long hot summers) a tree up to 18m, with flaking bark which is mottled olive green, brown and grey; oval, finely toothed, glossy dark green leaves, 5-10cm long, which are usually deciduous but may be semi-evergreen, are tinged red in spring, and turn yellow, orange and red and before falling; and cup-shaped, aromatic pink flowers, 3-4cm across, in spring, followed after hot summers by edible, aromatic, egg-shaped fruit, 5-18cm long, which start out green and become yellow when ripe in autumn.

About the genus

Pseudocydonia is a genus containing species of varied habit, from compact perennials to larger woody plants. Members are valued in horticulture for their flowers, foliage, or overall form and are found in diverse habitats worldwide

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower, Fruit

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a sunny sheltered position, such as by a south-facing or southwest-facing wall, in fertile, moist but well-drained soil
PruningPruning group 1 or pruning group 13 if grown on a wall, after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to quince leaf blight, brown rot, fireblight, powdery mildews and honey fungus
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