Pseudocydonia sinensis

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.

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.