Texas Scarlet Red Quince Best flowering quince variety 4" Pot

The Texas Scarlet Quince (Chaenomeles × superba 'Texas Scarlet') is a vibrant and attractive deciduous shrub, well-suited for various landscape applications. Here's a comprehensive guide to its growing zones, characteristics, and maintenance:

Growing Zones
Hardiness Zones: Texas Scarlet Quince thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Characteristics
Size: It typically grows to a height and spread of about 3 to 5 feet.
Flowering: This quince variety produces striking watermelon red flowers, usually blooming in March and April before the leaves fully unfold.
Fruit: The shrub bears yellowish-green quinces, which are edible but often considered too bitter to eat directly. They can be used in preserves and jellies.

Foliage: It has glossy dark green leaves, with no significant fall color.
Other Features: The plant is known for its showy flowers and fruit, and it has thorns. It's drought-tolerant and can adapt to clay soil.

Maintenance Tips
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to part shade for optimal growth and flowering.
Soil: It adapts to a wide range of soil conditions but thrives best in well-drained loams.
Watering: Established plants can tolerate somewhat dry soils. Regular watering is important until the plant is established.

Pruning: Prune to shape as needed in spring after flowering. This stimulates the growth of flowering spurs for the next year's bloom but may reduce the current year's fruit production. Avoid heavy pruning.

Fertilizing: Fertilize established trees every 2-3 years in early spring.

Planting: Plant in spring or early fall. Ensure proper spacing from buildings and other structures to allow for growth. Mix soil with compost or peat moss to enrich and loosen it for better root spread.

Mulching: Apply a 2” layer of mulch around the planting area, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent decay.
Landscape Use

Applications: Suitable for mass planting, hedges, and general garden use. Its thorny branches make it a great barrier hedge. Best flowering quince variety.
Companion Plants: Combines well with plants like Japanese Spirea and Lenten Rose.

Remember, while Texas Scarlet Quince is a low-maintenance shrub, regular care and upkeep are essential for its health and aesthetic appeal