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Chaenomeles speciosa 'NCCS4' Double Take™ Peach

Phonetic Spelling
ky-NAH-mel-eeze spee-see-OH-sah
Description

The mention of flowering quinces (Chaenomeles spp.) evokes images and memories of quintessential, spring flowering, heirloom plants. Old-fashioned? Definitely. Flowering quinces are known to have been cultivated for over 400 years, but admiration for quinces certainly dates back thousands of years. A member of the rose family (Rosaceae), flowering quinces are spring showstoppers that usher in the growing season with the likes of magnolias, flowering cherries, and forsythias. Flowering quinces make up a relatively small genus consisting of just three species: Japanese flowering quince (Chaenomeles japonica), common flowering quince (Chaenomeles speciosa), and the Cathay flowering quince (Chaenomeles cathayensis).

Chaenomeles speciosa Double Take Peach is a medium-sized, upright to rounded, multi-stemmed shrub with a mature height of approximately 4 feet. It will bloom best in full sun, though will tolerate some partial shade.  It is an excellent spring accent plant. It works as a specimen, grouped in a shrub border, as an informal hedge, planted on a slope, or in a cottage garden. In climates that experience cold temperatures, plant in full sun for the optimum flower color.  In warmer climates, some protection from the afternoon sun will allow the blooms to last longer.  

Large, light orange, double flowers appear in late winter to early spring. This hybrid is fruitless (pistils were traded in for more petals), which means no messy cleanup.  It is also thornless, so is a child and pet-friendly plant.  Branches with unopened flower buds can be clipped and forced to bloom for some showy indoor color. Double Take quinces often rebloom in fall for some surprising color late in the season.

Prune as needed in the spring after flowering to remove dead or broken branches and improve shape.  This will stimulate growth of flowering spurs which will improve bloom for the following year. Promptly remove any root suckers to control possible unwanted spread.  Flowers typically bloom on two-year-old wood, so prune accordingly.  

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best flowering occurs in full sun. Withstands a range of soil types including heavy clay but prefers well-drained loams. Flower buds are susceptible to damage from early spring frosts so a protected site is ideal. Established plants will tolerate dry soils. Does well in higher erosion areas like slopes. In warmer areas, some afternoon shade will help flowers last longer. Space plants 5 to 6 feet apart. The plant is resistant to deer.  

Insects and Diseases: May be susceptible to fungal leaf spot in years with heavy rainfall, which causes leaf defoliation. Fireblight and scab may be problematic in some areas. Aphids can cause significant damage to new growth. Lesser pests include scale and mites. Cholorosis (yellowing) of the leaves occurs in high pH (alkaline) soils.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#specimen#shrub#salt tolerant#winter interest#slopes#thornless#cottage garden#pet friendly#deer resistant#nci#children's garden#long bloom time#border planting#cutting garden#spring interest#pollinator plant#flowers early spring#clay soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#flowers late winter#shrub borders#showy#hedge#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#specimen#shrub#salt tolerant#winter interest#slopes#thornless#cottage garden#pet friendly#deer resistant#nci#children's garden#long bloom time#border planting#cutting garden#spring interest#pollinator plant#flowers early spring#clay soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#flowers late winter#shrub borders#showy#hedge#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Chaenomeles
    Species:
    speciosa
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Planted alone or in mass as a border, hedge or foundation plant.
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Wildlife Value:
    Butterflies are attracted to the flowers.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Buffer
    Colorful
    Easy to Grow
    Screening
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Deer
    Dimensions:
    Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Broad
    Dense
    Erect
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Orange
    Pink
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Saucer
    Flower Petals:
    7 - 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Clusters of soft, double peachy-pink flowers. Deadheading is not necessary. Blooms on old wood so do not over prune in the spring.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Oblong
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Oval to oblong, glossy dark green leaves. No fall color. Prune after flowering.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Multi-stemmed
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Container
    Lawn
    Meadow
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Screen/Privacy
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Heat
    Salt