You might be thinking, “Wait, are we really talking about quince?” And maybe even, “Aren’t those the thorny shrubs my grandmother had growing out back?”
Yes, we’re talking about that quince—but before you dismiss it, take a second look. This isn’t the tough, tangle of thorns and gnarly fruit from childhood memories. The Double Take series of Chaenomeles is an entirely new take on an old favorite, and it’s well worth your attention.
This revamped quince lineup comes in three vibrant colors, each aptly named:
- Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Orange Storm’ – a fiery burst of tangerine-colored blooms
- Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Pink Storm’ – a rich, rosy hue with an almost tropical feel
- Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Scarlet Storm’ – deep red blossoms that command attention
Scarlet Storm is my personal favorite. I grow all three, but this one stops people in their tracks. It’s one of those plants that visitors always ask about when they see it in my yard.
What Makes These Quinces Different?
The Double Take quinces are not your average Chaenomelesand here’s why:
They are great for cutting and forcing indoors in early spring. The blooms are some of the first signs of life after winter, and their long-lasting flowers bring a much-needed pop of color when the landscape is still waking up. They hold their petals longer than many other early spring bloomers, making them a fantastic choice for arrangements.
Bigger, better blooms. These flowers are fully double, meaning they have layer upon layer of petals, making them resemble Camellias. If you’ve ever wanted a Camellia but live in a climate where they struggle, this might be your next best option.
No fruit, no mess. If you love quince jelly, this might be a downside, but for the rest of us, no more tough, yellow-green fruit littering the ground. This variety is all about ornamental beauty without the hassle.
Thornless (yes, really). One of the biggest gripes about traditional quince is their brutal thorns, making pruning a painful experience. But these are smooth, thorn-free, and so much easier to maintain.
They’re long-lived. Once established, these plants are in it for the long haul. I’ve had mine for years, and they just keep getting better. They settle into their space and reliably bloom every season, a true investment in spring beauty.
That said, they can be a little tricky to transplant. They don’t love being moved, so it’s best to plant them where you want them from the start. I learned that lesson the hard way.
The Breeding Behind the Chaenomeles speciosa Beauty
This new quince series comes from the Mountain Crop Improvement Lab at North Carolina State University, led by renowned plant breeder Dr. Tom Ranney. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s behind some of the most exciting new plant introductions in recent years.
Dr. Ranney has been working on Chaenomeles for years, and the Double Take series is just the beginning. Even more exciting selections are in the pipeline, which means we might see even more colors and improvements down the line.
As an NCSU alum, I have to mention that we also just beat #1 Duke in basketball this weekend—but I digress.
Will You Give Quince a Second Chance?
I’m thrilled to see these finally hit the market and can’t wait to see how they perform in different gardens. With their big, Camellia-like flowers, thornless growth, and long-lasting impact, these might just convince even the biggest quince skeptics to give them another shot.
What about you? Are you ready for a quince comeback?
—Rodney
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Photos: provenwinners.com, whatgrowsthere.com
