Flower of the Month – August 2020

Japonica

Family:  Rosaceae Genus: Chaenomeles

Origin: Japan and China

Availability:  Late Winter and Spring

Colours: Red, White, Pink

AKA: Flowering Quince, Japanese Quince

What’s in a name: The Genus name Chaenomeles is derived from The Greek “Chainein” and “Meles” which loosely translates to “open fruit”. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these in your garden then you’ll know that after the incredible blossoms pass, the quince fruit follows. Although inedible when freshly picked they can be used in preserves and jams which make a perfect addition to any cheese platter!

Why we love it: Japonica is one of the brightest, earliest signs of the approach of Spring. You’ll see it flowering in late winter throughout gardens, but we cannot go past bringing branches indoors for a daily reminder that the earth is springing to life again. Unlike most other blossoms Japonica lasts unbelievably long as a cut flower, sometimes lasting 3 weeks or more with minimal upkeep! Even once the blossoms have fallen you may find new leaves emerging on the branches of a cut stem. Absolutely magical!

How to get the most out of them: These little beauties need minimal maintenance to reap an abundance of flowers:

1. Purchase buddy branches with a few open flowers.
2. Avoid bunches with falling flowers or no closed buds.
3. Remove lower leaves and recut stems with sharp secateurs.
4. Refresh water every other day.
5. Spent blossoms will fall, needing to be swept up. But don’t be hasty to throw the bunch away at this point, you might be gifted with a second burst of flowers.