Flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ has a unique combination of pink, red, and white flowers on the same branch. Each flower may have patches of each color. These unique flowers mean that this cultivar is frequently used as an ornamental shrub, but it also used as a bonsai.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
The ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ Japanese Quince is derived from the Chaenomeles speciosa, a thorny bush native to China and belonging to the rose family. This variety was recently obtained in Japan and stands out from other cultivars for its exceptional vigour and flowering, which displays shades ranging from light red to deep pink and then white. Growing to a medium size, this deciduous bush has a bushy and rounded dense habit, reaching about 3m (9 ft 10 in) in height and 2m (6 ft 7 in) in width.
Its flowering occurs from February to April. The fragrant flowers, measuring 3 to 4cm (1.2 to 1.6 in) in diameter, are composed of 5 petals that slightly overlap, similar to those of cherry or decorative cherry trees. Then, the flower opens up and reveals a yellow stamen centre. The flowers are carried by a very short or even absent pedicel and grouped in 3 to 5 on the previous year’s branches.
The leaves develop after the flowers; they are narrow to lanceolate, 3-9cm (1.2-3.5 in) long and 1.5 to 5cm (0.6 to 2 in) wide, with a beautiful shiny dark green colour on their upper surface.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Both full sun and partial shade will work for this low-maintenance flowering plant, but planting in full sun will help to produce the best flowers. Place your flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ in an area where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily and your plant will put on a striking display of flowers in early spring. It will also grow in partial shade, where it has access to direct sunlight for between 2-6 hours a day, but it won’t flower as much.
Temperature
Native to China and Korea, flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ is a tough and undemanding plant . Fully established plants are highly tolerant of drought, poor soil conditions, and a broad range of temperatures and humidity levels. They are cold hardy and can endure temperatures as low as -32 ℃.
Watering
Originating from Eastern Asia, flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ thrives in a temperate climate with moderate humidity. This deciduous shrub has adapted to withstand brief periods of drought but flourishes when maintained with consistent moisture. Its water habits are best described as balanced, requiring watering twice a week to mimic its natural environment’s conditions. Typically grown outdoors, flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ is particularly notable for its vibrant multi-colored blooms during the growing season, which demand ample hydration to ensure peak floral display.
Soil
Flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ is adaptable to various soil types, as long as drainage is good. However, it grows best in loamy, neutral to acidicsoils, with a pH between 3.7 to 7. High alkalinity in the soil is not good because this can cause chlorosis, leading to yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. Flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ can also grow in clay and sandy soil types, but its growth won’t be as vigorous.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing your flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ will help with healthy growth and flower production. Feed your plants with a slow-release, general-purpose, dry fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears. When applying fertilizers, be sure to spread them on the soil, instead of directly on any plant parts, to avoid scorching. Water thoroughly after feeding.
Planting Instructions
Plant your flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ in the winter while it’s still dormant. Prepare a planting hole that’s about twice or thrice as wide and deep as the plant’s root ball, mixing in organic matter to improve clay or poor quality soil. Position your plant in so that the top of the root ball is in-line with, or just slightly higher than, the surface level of the soil. Then, fill in the hole and tamp down. Water when the hole is filled halfway, and then again after planting. If planting in rows, plants should be at least 4.5 m apart.
Pruning
Flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ is an easy, low-maintenance plant. However, it needs regular pruning to maintain its attractive form and promote vigorous growth. The best time to prune is in late spring, after flowering, because it produces its blooms on old wood. Cut back old stems by no more than 1/3, and remove any damaged, weak, unhealthy, or crossed branches. You can also remove interior branches to improve air circulation.
Propagation
Flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ flourishes when propagated through cuttings, which is an effective method to ensure the offspring display the same desirable traits. For successful rooting, semi-hardwood cuttings should be taken, ensuring that each cutting has a few nodes present. To enhance rooting potential, dip the cut end in a rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining, sterile potting mix. Place the cuttings in a warm area with indirect sunlight and maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. Once rooted, gradual acclimatization to outdoor conditions will prepare flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ for transplanting to its final growing location.
Transplanting
The quintessential time to transplant flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ is during the gentle awakening of gardens, from early to late spring. Choose a sunny or partially shaded locale with well-draining soil. If needed, enrich the site with organic matter to welcome flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ to its new home.
III. Uses and Benefits
Easy to care for and nearly indestructible, Flowering Quince is a perfect choice for mixed shrub borders or low-flowering hedges. The spreading form and spiny branches make this plant an excellent choice for screening or as a security barrier. Great as a specimen plant and for foundation plantings. Flowering Quince may also be trained against a wall.
Its flowering branches make elegant and charming bouquets!
IV. Harvesting and Storage
Aside from attractive blooms, flowering quince ‘Toyo-Nishiki’ also produces edible fruits that are often used in jams and jellies. Begin harvesting the fruits as soon as they start turning from light green or light yellow to golden yellow. Take extra care when picking fruits as they bruise easily, and avoid damaged or mushy fruits. Use a sharp and clean pair of pruning shears to snip fruits from the plants.
