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Description
Chaenomeles Superba Nicoline, also known as Flowering Quince, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea but has been introduced to other regions due to its ornamental value. The plant typically grows up to 2 meters in height and spread. It produces beautiful reddish-pink flowers early in the spring before the leaves appear. The flowers are followed by small golden-yellow fruits that resemble apples.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Chaenomeles |
Appearance
The Chaenomeles Superba Nicoline has an upright, spreading growth habit with arching branches. It has dark green leaves that are ovate or elliptical in shape and grow up to 4 cm long. The plant produces beautiful reddish-pink flowers early in the spring before the leaves appear. The flowers have five petals and grow up to 4 cm in diameter. The plant also produces small golden-yellow fruits that resemble apples. The fruits are edible but sour and are commonly used in jams and jellies.
Care Guide
The Chaenomeles Superba Nicoline is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant prefers a well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Water the plant deeply once a week, more frequently during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers a well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Amend the soil with compost before planting.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Chaenomeles Superba Nicoline is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues:
- Aphids: They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Fire blight: It is a bacterial disease that causes twig dieback and cankers. Prune infected branches and avoid overhead watering.
- Cedar-quince rust: It is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the leaves and fruit. Remove infected leaves and fruit and avoid planting near cedar trees.
Habitat
The Chaenomeles Superba Nicoline is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It grows in a variety of habitats including forests, scrublands, and rocky hillsides. The plant is commonly used in landscaping and as an ornamental shrub in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Chaenomeles Superba Nicoline deer resistant?
A: Yes, the plant is generally deer resistant due to its thorny branches.
Q: Can the fruit of Chaenomeles Superba Nicoline be eaten?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible but sour and is commonly used in jams and jellies.
Q: How often should I fertilize Chaenomeles Superba Nicoline?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Chaenomeles Superba Nicoline?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Related Plants
- Chaenomeles Japonica
- Chaenomeles Speciosa
- Chaenomeles Cathayensis
References
- “Chaenomeles Superba Nicoline.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b544.
- “Chaenomeles Superba Nicoline.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/14685/i-Chaenomeles-superba-i-Nicoline/Details.
- “Chaenomeles Superba Nicoline.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/chaenomeles-superba-nicoline-growing-profile-4772295.
