Flowering Quince might not be the very first choice for a total gardening newbie, but with a little practice, they make absolutely stunning bonsais. These little trees are total showstoppers when they’re in bloom! If you’re looking to level up your green thumb, here are my best tips for training and caring for your Quince bonsai like a pro.
How to Start Your Flowering Quince Bonsai
Before you dive in, you’ll need to decide on the “vibe” of your tree: are you going for an outdoor giant or a cozy indoor companion? If you keep your Quince outside, it can grow up to 35 inches tall.
Most of us have a bit less space indoors, so you’ll likely want to keep yours smaller. The key here is choosing the right pot—the smaller the container, the more compact your tree will stay.
You can find Flowering Quince at specialty garden centers in a few different stages: as a “pre-bonsai” starter, a fully trained bonsai, or even just a standard garden plant that you can carefully prune back yourself.
Which one should you pick? Honestly, it depends on your comfort level. Growing a Quince bonsai from scratch can be a bit of a challenge for beginners, so don’t be afraid to start with one that’s already had a little professional “coaching.”
Choosing the Right Shape
Bonsai come in all sorts of styles these days—from double or multi-trunk setups to classic upright or wind-swept leaning forms.
The great news is that Flowering Quince works well with almost any style. However, a word of warning: the “cascade” style (where the tree grows downward over the edge of the pot) is notoriously tricky with this species. I’d save that one for the seasoned pros!
If you’re buying a pre-styled tree, take a good look at the different growth patterns in the shop. Don’t be shy about asking the staff for advice—they love talking shop!
Pro-Tips for Bonsai Care
To keep your tree happy and healthy, keep these care tips in mind:
- During the warmer months, let your Quince soak up the sun on a balcony or patio. They love the bright light and warmth! Just be careful: the blossoms are super sensitive to frost. If the temperature drops, those pretty flowers will drop right off. To be safe, bring your little tree inside for the night if a chill is in the air.
- Quince are thirsty drinkers in the summer. If yours is sitting in direct sun, it might need a drink several times a day. You can move it to partial shade to save on watering, but keep in mind that less sun usually means fewer flower buds.
- Once the flowers fade, you’ll see small edible fruits start to form. It’s best to pluck these off so the tree can focus its energy on growing rather than fruit production.
- After the blooming season is over, feed your bonsai regularly until the leaves start to fall in autumn. I highly recommend using specialized fertilizer cones—they make the job so much easier!
- One last golden rule: Flowering Quince only blooms on “old wood.” Be careful not to prune too aggressively, or you might accidentally cut away next year’s flower show!