Flowering Quince (also known as *Chaenomeles*) is a beautiful, slow-growing shrub that’s a real standout in any garden. Because it takes its time to grow, you won’t need to reach for your pruning shears very often. The most important thing to remember is that these shrubs bloom on “old wood”—specifically branches that are at least three years old. If you get too happy with the clippers, you might accidentally cut away next year’s flower show!
Hands Off the Older Wood
Whether you have the Chinese or Japanese variety, Flowering Quince is a bit of a late bloomer. It takes a few years to establish itself and start producing those gorgeous flowers and fruits. Because it only blooms on wood that is three years or older, I recommend waiting at least three years after planting before you do any major pruning. When you do start, take it slow and be selective about which branches you’re removing.
Timing is Everything
For established shrubs, a light trim every three years is usually plenty. The golden rule here is to prune right after the flowers fade. This gives the plant time to grow new wood for future seasons. Focus on thinning out the center by removing any branches or tips growing inward. Just be careful not to take off too many young shoots, or you’ll see fewer flowers over the next couple of years.
How to Do a Maintenance Trim
In the fall, you can do a little “housekeeping” to keep the shrub healthy. Cut these specific parts back close to the ground or right where they meet a main branch:
- Very old, woody stems
- Dead or dried-out twigs
- Overgrown branch tips
- Branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other
The Rejuvenation Cut
If you’ve inherited a wild, overgrown bush that’s seen better days, a rejuvenation cut can breathe new life into it. You’ll want to cut back about a third of all the branches, focusing on those growing toward the center. Just a heads-up: the shrub might look a little sparse and produce fewer flowers the following year, but it will bounce back stronger and more beautiful in the long run.
Trimming Tips for a Bushier Look
If you want your Flowering Quince to look fuller and more like a lush hedge, try pinching back or trimming the tips of the branches regularly. You can do this pretty much anytime, but if you do it in early summer, you can actually use those cuttings to grow brand-new plants!
Pro Tip: Flowering Quince has some pretty sharp thorns, so definitely wear a sturdy pair of gardening gloves before you dive in!
