Chinese Quince

Pseudocydonia sinensis

$23.00 Sold out
Edible

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 5-8

Chinese Quince is one of those trees that seems to offer something beautiful at every turn. Soft pink flowers arrive in spring, dark green leaves carry it through summer, and fall brings warm color along with large, fragrant fruit. Even in winter, its peeling bark gives the tree a quiet kind of beauty.

Why plant Pseudocydonia sinensis?

Chinese Quince has a way of settling into the garden with real presence. It is lovely in flower, of course, but what makes it so special is the way it continues to offer interest long after spring has passed.

The flowers appear in soft pink along the older wood, subtle and elegant rather than flashy. As the season moves on, the tree fills out with rich green leaves that feel substantial and handsome through the heat of summer. Then, in autumn, the foliage turns shades of yellow, amber, and red, and the branches begin to carry large golden fruit that brings its own charm to the season.

One of the most beautiful features of Pseudocydonia sinensis is its bark. As the tree matures, the trunk and branches peel in patches of gray, green, tan, and brown, creating a wonderfully textured surface that stands out even more once the leaves have dropped. In winter, when the garden is quieter, that bark gives the tree a lasting elegance.

There is also something a little old-fashioned about Chinese Quince in the best possible way. The fruit is aromatic and ornamental, and while it is too hard to eat fresh, it has long been appreciated for preserves and other traditional uses. That sense of history only adds to its appeal.

This is a tree for people who enjoy gardens that change with the seasons and reward a closer look. It makes a beautiful specimen in an open space, near a walkway, or anywhere its bark, fruit, and branching shape can be appreciated up close. Over time, it becomes the kind of plant people ask about.

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Schedule Delayed Shipping in your Cart
Hardiness Zones USDA Zones 5-8
Sun Full Sun
Soil Well-drained and Fertile
Mature size Height: 20-25 Feet / Spread: 15-20 Feet
Growth Rate
Seasonality Deciduous

Flower, Fruit and Foliage

Flowers

  • Appearance: The flowers are large, single, and strikingly beautiful, measuring about 1–2 inches across. They are pale pink with a soft, delicate appearance, often highlighted by subtle white tones near the edges of the petals.
  • Bloom Time: Blooms in mid to late spring, creating a vibrant display that enlivens the garden after winter.
  • Fragrance: Lightly sweet and floral, attracting bees and other pollinators.
  • Pollinator Attraction: The nectar-rich blooms are a favorite of early-season pollinators, adding ecological value.

Fruit

  • Appearance: The fruit is large, oblong to pear-shaped, and golden yellow when ripe, often with a slight blush of red or green undertones. It measures 4–6 inches in length and has a smooth, firm surface.
  • Texture and Taste: Firm and tart when raw, the fruit becomes soft, aromatic, and flavorful when cooked. It is commonly used in preserves, jellies, and baked goods.
  • Seasonality: Fruits ripen in late fall, extending the ornamental appeal of the tree and filling the air with a pleasant, fruity fragrance as they mature.
  • Wildlife Appeal: The fruit is not typically eaten raw by humans but may attract birds and small mammals.

Foliage

  • Appearance: The leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped, measuring 2–4 inches long. The clean, shiny surface gives the foliage a fresh and polished look throughout the growing season.
  • Autumn Colors: In fall, the foliage transforms into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, adding warm, seasonal color to the landscape.
  • Seasonality: Deciduous, shedding its leaves in late autumn to reveal its elegant, vase-shaped branching structure.

The combination of showy spring flowers, fragrant and ornamental fruit, and striking seasonal foliage makes Pseudocydonia sinensis a standout tree for adding beauty, utility, and year-round interest to any garden or landscape. Its exfoliating bark adds further winter appeal, ensuring it remains captivating in all seasons.

Read full care instruction manual here.

Planting Requirements

  • Light: Thrives in full sun for the best flowering, fruit production, and overall growth. It can tolerate light shade, but reduced sunlight may result in fewer flowers and fruit.
  • Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It tolerates a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as drainage is adequate.
  • Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild to allow roots to establish.

Watering

  • Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system.
  • Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry periods or when fruit is developing.

Fertilization

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth, flowering, and fruit production.
  • Mulch around the base with organic material to retain moisture and improve soil fertility.

Pruning

  • Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to shape the tree.
  • The tree naturally develops an elegant, vase-shaped form, so minimal pruning is needed for aesthetics.

Growth Habit and Size

  • Grows as a deciduous small tree or large shrub with an upright, spreading habit.
  • Reaches a mature height of 20–25 feet and a spread of 15–20 feet, making it suitable for smaller landscapes or as a specimen tree.

Pests and Diseases

  • Generally pest-resistant, but monitor for occasional issues with aphids or scale insects. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
  • Susceptible to fire blight in some conditions. Prune affected branches and sterilize pruning tools to prevent the spread of the disease.

Special Features

  • Flowers: Showy, pale pink flowers bloom in spring, creating a stunning display and attracting pollinators like bees.
  • Fruit: Produces large, golden-yellow, aromatic fruits in fall. The fruit is firm and tart when raw but can be used for preserves, jellies, or baked goods.
  • Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves emerge in spring, providing a fresh appearance through the growing season. In autumn, the foliage turns warm shades of yellow, orange, and red.
  • Bark: The exfoliating bark reveals a patchwork of gray, orange, and brown tones, adding ornamental value even in winter.

Winter Care

  • Hardy in USDA zones 5–8. Requires no special winter care in most climates but benefits from a layer of mulch around the base to protect the roots in colder regions.

Landscape Uses

  • Ideal as a specimen tree, in mixed borders, or for edible landscapes.
  • Works well in small gardens due to its manageable size and multi-season interest.

Additional Tips

  • Space trees 15–20 feet apart to allow for their natural spreading habit.
  • Harvest fruit in late fall when it turns golden yellow and emits a strong, pleasant fragrance.

Summary
With its beautiful spring flowers, fragrant and edible fruit, attractive fall foliage, and exfoliating bark, Pseudocydonia sinensis is a versatile and ornamental tree that provides year-round interest and practical benefits to the garden.

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Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
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