Falconnet Charlet Flowering Quince

Falconnet Charlet Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa 'Falconnet Charlet') is a vigorous, spiny deciduous shrub that reaches 1.5m to 1.8m tall and 2.4m to 3m wide. In late winter its bare branches carry pink buds that open to pale pink and white double flowers, then age to a deep peach-apricot. It is cold hardy, copes with heavy clay and makes an informal boundary hedge that gives wildlife shelter.

Why you'll love it

• Colour when the garden is bare. The flowers appear on leafless branches in late winter, well before most shrubs wake up.
• Flowers that change with age. Pink buds open to pale pink and white, then deepen to peach-apricot, so one shrub carries several shades at once.
• Very cold hardy. It is hardy to -20C and suited to most climates in Australia.
• Happy in heavy clay. It grows in pretty much any neutral to acid soil, even heavy clay that defeats other flowering shrubs.
• Fruit for the kitchen. The small, fragrant fruits are sour raw but high in pectin, which makes them good for jams and jellies.

Where it works best

Informal boundary hedges. Plant 1.5m apart for a loose, wide hedge. The spiny stems form a barrier that small birds use for shelter, and the display is at its best in winter.

Feature shrub. Give it room to spread to 3m and it becomes the main event in a winter garden, especially against a dark fence or evergreen backdrop.

Espalier on a wall. The long stems can be trained flat against a wall or fence, which suits a narrower space and shows the flowers off clearly.

Growing Falconnet Charlet Flowering Quince in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It suits most Australian climates, though like most deciduous shrubs it flowers best where winters are properly cold. In frost free subtropical gardens, expect a lighter display. It loses its leaves in winter.

Soil. Pretty much any neutral to acid soil will do, even heavy clay. Good drainage still helps, and mulching keeps the roots cool in summer.

Water and feed. Mulch the root zone and water regularly while it settles in, which takes around 12 weeks. Once established it is drought tolerant, but it performs better in gardens with some rain or irrigation. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Flowers form on old wood, so prune straight after flowering to shape the plant and keep it healthy. Cutting hard in winter removes the flower buds. Wear gloves, because the stems are spiny.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Falconnet Charlet Flowering Quince as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock suits a long hedge, while the 140mm pots give a stronger start. It is a vigorous shrub, but expect a few seasons before it fills out to its full width and carries a heavy show of flowers.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Hedging and screening plants
• More deciduous shrubs
• Best plants for heavy clay soil
• Pruning for beginners

Common questions

When should I prune it?

Straight after flowering. The flowers form on old wood, so pruning later in the year removes next season's buds. Shape it lightly and thin out any crowded stems.

Will kangaroos or deer eat it?

It is reputed to be deer resistant, so it is worth trying where kangaroos or wallabies browse. No plant is browse proof, though, so protect young plants until they are established.

Can I eat the fruit?

The small fragrant fruits are sour raw. They are high in pectin, which makes them useful for jams and jellies.