Flowering quince (Chaenomeles  × superba ‘Texas Scarlet’) key-NOM-el-eez ex soo-PER-bah Synonyms:  C. japonica × C. speciosa Genus:  Chaenomeles

One look at ‘Texas Scarlet’ flowering quince in bloom and most gardeners are instantly sold. Though the display only lasts a week or two in early spring, the sight of the tomato-red flowers is unforgettable. During the rest of the season, ‘Texas Scarlet’ remains a wave of glossy green leaves that reaches 2 to 3 feet tall in the toughest of conditions.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Compact and spreading. Many tomato-red flowers. Great plant for slopes. Green fruit, ripening to yellow, is edible when cooked.

Care: 

‘Texas Scarlet’ is an easy plant to establish in full sun to partial shade. In warm and rainy years, however, the leaves may succumb to a fungus that spreads by splashing water and causes leaf spot and possible defoliation by late summer. Cleaning up the fallen leaves is the best way to alleviate future infestations.

Propagation: 

In autumn, sow seed in containers in an open frame or seedbed. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in autumn.

Problems: 

Fireblight, canker, rust, apple mosaic virus, scale insects, leaf spot, defoliation.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Showy Flowers, Showy Fruit Bloom Time Spring, Summer Flower Color Red Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Screening, Slopes and Hillsides Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs