Winter Cheer Flowering Quince

Winter Cheer Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa 'Winter Cheer') is a tough, spiny deciduous shrub that grows about 1.5m tall and wide. Dozens of ruby-red, cup-shaped flowers open along its bare branches in winter, long before the leaves return. It is very cold hardy, copes with heavy clay and makes a good boundary hedge, with flowers that last well in a vase.

Why you'll love it

• Ruby red in the depths of winter. Cup-shaped red flowers cover the bare branches, giving the garden a splash of colour when little else is in bloom.
• Compact for a quince. At 1.5m by 1.5m it fits a smaller garden or a tight hedge line better than the spreading varieties.
• Cuts well for the house. The flowers last well in water, so a few stems brighten the house in winter.
• Extremely cold hardy. Hardy to -20C, it suits most climates in Australia.
• Fruit with a use. The small, fragrant fruits are sour raw but high in pectin, and they make good jam.

Where it works best

Boundary hedges. Plant 1m apart in a single row for a dense, informal hedge that is bare of leaf but bright with flowers in winter. The spiny stems deter wandering pets and people.

Feature shrub in a mixed bed. Plant it in a mixed border where the red flowers stand out against dark evergreens, and let perennials in front cover the plain summer foliage.

Wildlife shelter. Dense, thorny growth makes a sheltering hedge for wildlife, and the winter flowers add early colour for the garden.

Growing Winter Cheer Flowering Quince in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It copes with most Australian climates, but like most deciduous shrubs it flowers best where winters are properly cold. In frost free subtropical gardens expect a lighter display.

Soil. Almost any neutral to acid soil suits it, including heavy clay. Mulch to hold moisture and keep the roots cool in summer.

Water and feed. Mulch around the base and water regularly for the first 12 weeks or so. It is drought tolerant once settled but flowers and grows better with some rain or irrigation. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Prune as required after flowering to maintain shape and plant health. Avoid hard winter pruning, which removes flower buds. Wear gloves when handling the spiny stems.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Winter Cheer Flowering Quince as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical way to plant a long hedge, and the 140mm pots give a head start on a feature planting. Expect steady growth, with the best flowering coming once the shrub has filled out over a few seasons.

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

• Compare the best hedging plants
• More frost hardy plants
• Plants for heavy clay soil
• How to create and keep a great hedge

Common questions

How big does it get?

About 1.5m tall and 1.5m wide, which is compact for a flowering quince. Plant 1m apart if you want a hedge.

Does it keep its leaves in winter?

No, it is deciduous. The branches are bare when the flowers open, which is part of the effect.

Is it prickly?

Yes, the stems are spiny, which makes a good barrier but means you should wear gloves when pruning and keep it clear of paths and play areas.