Chaenomeles superba Clementine - Flowering Quince

Chaenomeles x superba 'Clementine' is an elegant thorny bush. From April, it is covered with dark orange flowers, before the appearance of its medium green foliage.

Originally from China and Japan, this vigorous 1.5m (5ft) tall bush is very hardy, with a spreading habit and flexible branches with fine thorns. Chaenomeles x superba 'Clementine' has deciduous, alternate, ovate, dentate leaves, 6cm (2in) long, which are medium green and glossy. In April, single, dark orange flowers bloom before the leaves appear. The flowers are widely open, cup-shaped, and 4cm (2in) in diameter. In autumn, green fruits appear. They are shaped like quinces, and measure 5 to 7cm (2 to 3in) in diameter. The edible fruits are fragrant and turn yellow when ripe. They are perfect for making jelly.

Chaenomeles x superba 'Clementine' can be used individually, in pots, or as a border plant, alongside Primula vulgaris or Aquilegia alpina. It can also be trained along a wall. Its cananga essence (similar to ylang-ylang) is extracted for perfume making. As a medicinal plant, its seeds are used to treat diarrhoea.