Chaenomeles speciosa 'NCCS4' Double Take™ Peach

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.