Chaenomeles cathayensis Seeds | Cathay Quince
LATIN NAME: Chaenomeles cathayensis
COMMON NAME: Cathay Quince
Plant Profile
Cathay Quince (Chaenomeles cathayensis) is a shrub in the rose family. The Cathay quince blushes pink, cup-shaped flowers along bare branches in early spring, before toothed leaves unfold, and the whole shrub carries the fine, cheerful look of the old courtyard. It is a shrub of open, sunny, deep, rich, well-drained ground. Pollinating insects take to the flowers at once, adding a little wildlife interest to its garden value. It is hard to name another plant that gives this much for this little trouble.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the rose family, Chaenomeles cathayensis is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Breeders and collectors still work with it, so well-kept seed remains available.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Cathay Quince earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. The Cathay quince is a cheerful, useful shrub of old courtyard and study collection. It is a cheerful, useful shrub of open, sunny, deep, rich, well-drained garden. Quince seeds start well in a fine, sandy mix in a bright, open spot. A plant that has settled in will get along with only routine care.
Flowering quince fruit, Mu Gua in Chinese medicine, is a classical herb for relaxing stiff muscles and aiding digestion, and the hard, fragrant fruits make excellent jellies rich in pectin and vitamin C.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Cathay Quince under ordinary good conditions. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Cathay Quince repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
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