Common quince

Two unrelated genera both go by the name "quince" in English. Chaenomeles (entry #23) is the small ornamental "flowering quince" with showy early spring flowers, small hard fruit, and refined bonsai potential. Cydonia is the large fruiting "common quince" or "true quince" — the species that produces the golden-yellow pear-shaped fruit used historically for jellies, preserves, and the medicinal cordial that gives marmalade its name (from the Portuguese "marmelo" for quince).

As bonsai, Cydonia is less common than Chaenomeles but offers genuinely different aesthetics. The leaves are larger (typically 8–12cm), the flowers are larger and more apple-blossom-like (pale pink-white in May), and the fruit is dramatically larger — fully-developed Cydonia fruit can weigh several hundred grams, making fruit display on small bonsai a challenge in itself. The fruit is strongly fragrant; a single quince in a fruit bowl will perfume a room.

The species develops attractive flaky pale bark on older trees and has naturally gnarled growth that suits informal upright bonsai compositions. Collected garden material from old orchard specimens can produce dramatic bonsai with substantial trunk character.

For UK growers, the choice between Chaenomeles and Cydonia depends on what you want. Chaenomeles for refined small bonsai with winter-into-spring flower display. Cydonia for larger compositions with substantial flowers, dramatic fruit, and a connection to traditional UK orchard heritage.

The species shares Rosaceae disease vulnerabilities with apples, hawthorns, and pears — fireblight is the main concern.

Daily through the growing season. Cydonia is moderately thirsty in active growth — twice daily in summer heat for trees in shallow pots.

The species tolerates inconsistent watering moderately well but consistent moisture during fruit development (July–October) prevents fruit drop and produces better fruit quality.

In winter while dormant, reduce watering significantly. Tap water of any hardness is fine.

Weekly liquid feed from late April through to mid-September. Slow-release organic pellets in spring and early summer.

For fruiting, switch to a high-K low-N feed from mid-July through August. This supports fruit development and quality.

Stop feeding by late September.

Free-draining and slightly acidic. The species tolerates a range of substrates.

Repot every 2–3 years on young trees, every 3–4 on mature specimens. The window is mid-February through to early April. Repot as buds swell.

Cydonia tolerates moderate root work — up to a third of the root mass on healthy trees. The species recovers reasonably quickly.

Cydonia pruning is similar to crab apple (entry #18) — the species flowers on previous year's wood and on short spurs that develop over years, so preserving these is important for floral display.

Structural pruning in late winter (February). Through the growing season, let new shoots extend to 5–6 leaves then cut back to 2–3 on most shoots, but leave some short shoots untouched to become flowering spurs.

After flowering and fruit set, light pinching can continue but avoid aggressive pruning that might damage developing fruit clusters.

Fruit thinning is essential on small bonsai. The species' large fruit is heavy and can break branches or stress small trees. Remove all but a few fruits when half-developed (August) — one fruit per 30cm of branch is a reasonable load on a medium bonsai, with thinning if necessary.

The species back-buds reasonably well on old wood and tolerates moderate hard cutbacks. Major structural reductions in late winter heal cleanly.

Wire after leaves harden in early summer or on bare branches in winter. Bark is reasonably resistant to marking but can scar — apply moderately loose and check fortnightly. Aluminium for most work, copper for thicker structural branches.

Cydonia develops attractive flaky pale bark on older specimens — preserve this character during wiring rather than masking it.

Informal upright is the natural fit, particularly on collected garden material with substantial trunks. Twin-trunk and clump styles work well. The species' habit suits naturalistic compositions that emphasise gnarled trunk character and weather-shaped growth.

Cascade and semi-cascade are uncommon but possible. Formal upright doesn't suit the species.

The flowering display and fruit display are major aesthetic features — styling should ensure these are clearly visible.

Hardy across most of the UK with no protection needed. Cydonia is rated H6 and takes typical British winters without complaint.

The species' main winter vulnerability is wet feet — saturated cold roots can cause issues. Tilt pots for drainage.

Never bring indoors.

From seed possible but produces variable seedlings. From semi-hardwood cuttings in summer with rooting hormone — moderate success. From layering or air layering — excellent success rate. Most commercial quince trees are grafted onto rootstock (quince rootstock is widely used for pear grafting as well). Collected old garden specimens are excellent source material.

Generally moderately healthy with the Rosaceae disease vulnerabilities. Fireblight is the most serious concern.