CHAENOMELES SUPERB CRIMSON AND GOLD - 8B504-

Botanical description

Chaenomeles × superba ‘Crimson and Gold’ is a deciduous, thorny, and compact shrub, prized for its abundant early flowering and the spectacular color of its flowers. The 'Crimson and Gold' variety is distinguished by its deep scarlet red flowers, with contrast golden stamens, which bloom between late winter and early spring (February to April), often before the leaves appear.

At maturity, it reaches a height of about 1.2–1.5 meters, with a slightly spreading habit and dense branching. After flowering, it produces fragrant, edible yellow-green fruits (similar to small quinces), ideal for jams and jellies.

Cultivation and care

• Location: It prefers full sun, but also adapts to light partial shade.
• Soil: It adapts well to many soil types, preferring well-drained, fertile, and cool soils. It also tolerates slightly calcareous substrates.
• Irrigation: It is not very demanding on water. Drought-resistant once well-established.
• Pruning: Perform after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new productive branches.
• Hardy: Very cold-resistant, down to -20°C. Suitable for almost all Italian climates.

Flowering and Fruiting

• Flowering Period: February – April
• Color: Crimson red with golden yellow stamens
• Fragrance: Light, pleasant
• Fruit: Small edible apples, ideal for jams

Ornamental Uses

• Low or mixed hedges
• Borders and flowerbeds
• Potted cultivation on terraces
• Rock or naturalistic gardens
• Excellent as a flowering shrub Winter/Spring

Strengths

- Early and abundant flowering

- Attracts pollinators in spring

- Hardy and resistant shrub

- Fragrant and edible fruits

- Easy to grow and prune