Chinese quince
This is a rare but attractive semi-evergreen shrub or small tree from China. At Burncoose this has grown for decades in full sun beside the main lawn while at Caerhays it grows on a bank in shade. Both plants are 8-10ft tall with a similar quince-like spread. In our mild climate this plant can often be observed putting on reddish new growth shoots in late January. Occasionally these get frosted or wind burnt but the plant quickly recovers. It needs firm staking to keep it upright.
The leaves are obovate and the new growth and leaf stalks are hairy. Solitary stalkless flowers appear on last year’s wood. They are pink and are followed by large egg shaped green fruits which ripen yellow and are about 6in long.
Long hot summers are necessary for this plant to fruit properly and it may well be a plant for training up on a south facing wall where it can be shaped and pruned hard on occasion.
