Double Take® Orange Quince

The Double Take® Orange Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa) is a deciduous shrub renowned for its vivid orange flowers and robust growth characteristics. This tall shrub reaches a garden height of 48 to 60 inches, with a similar spacing range, ensuring a substantial presence in any landscape. Its spread of 36 to 48 inches allows it to fill garden spaces beautifully, creating a lush, mounded appearance.

One of the most striking features of the Double Take Orange Quince is its flower color. The orange blooms are not just any orange; they are a deep, intense shade that captures the eye and enhances any garden setting. These flowers emerge in early to late spring, providing a long-lasting display of color. Complementing the flowers, the shrub's foliage is a vibrant green, adding to the plant's overall aesthetic appeal.

The Double Take® Orange Quince offers versatile landscaping uses, making it a valuable addition to various garden designs:

1. Hedging: Its uniform growth pattern and moderate size (4-5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide) make it ideal for creating vibrant, low hedges. The dense foliage provides a lush green backdrop year-round, with the bonus of spectacular orange blooms in the spring.
2. Mass Planting: When planted in groups, the Double Take Orange Quince creates a stunning visual impact. The clusters of bright orange flowers can turn an ordinary landscape into a breathtaking spring display.
3. Mixed Borders: This plant works beautifully in mixed borders, adding height and color. Its vibrant blooms contrast well with other perennials and shrubs, enhancing the overall appeal of border plantings.
4. Cut Flower Gardens: The large, double orange flowers not only beautify the garden but also make excellent cut flowers, adding a splash of color to indoor arrangements.
5. Wildlife Gardens: While primarily ornamental, the Double Take Orange Quince can attract pollinators during its blooming season, making it a suitable addition to gardens designed to support local wildlife.
6. Container Planting: Due to its moderate size and striking appearance, it can be grown in large containers, adding a touch of elegance to patios, balconies, or entryways.
7. Specimen Plant: The shrub can serve as a focal point in garden designs, particularly in small to medium-sized gardens, where its unique flowering and foliage can be showcased.
8. Erosion Control: The shrub's root system can help stabilize soil in sloped areas of the garden, making it a practical choice for erosion control.

These landscaping uses demonstrate the Double Take Orange Quince's adaptability and aesthetic value, making it a versatile choice for gardeners and landscapers alike. Its combination of beauty, ease of care, and versatility makes it a standout choice for a wide range of garden settings.

The Double Take® Orange Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa) is a resilient and relatively low-maintenance plant, but proper planting and care are essential to ensure its best growth and flowering. Here's a comprehensive guide:

Planting:

• Timing: Plant in early spring or fall to allow the plant to establish its root system before extreme temperatures.
• Location: Choose a location with part sun to full sun exposure (4 to 6+ hours of sunlight per day).
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with organic matter to improve soil structure.
• Planting Depth and Spacing: Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Plant the shrub at the same depth it was in the pot. Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow room for growth.

Care:

• Watering: Water the plant deeply after planting to settle the soil. Established plants are drought tolerant, but occasional watering during dry periods or extreme heat is beneficial, especially for young plants.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Fertilizing: Apply a controlled-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
• Pruning: Prune to shape the plant after flowering. Since it blooms on old wood, avoid heavy pruning in late fall or winter, as this can reduce spring blooms.
• Winter Care: In colder climates (zones 5 and 6), provide some winter protection, like mulching around the base of the plant, to protect the root system from freezing temperatures.
• Pest and Disease Management: While generally resilient, keep an eye out for common pests and diseases. Treat any issues promptly with appropriate methods.

Additional Tips:

• Spacing in Landscaping: If using for hedging or mass planting, consider the mature size of the plant for optimal spacing.
• Supporting Wildlife: Although primarily ornamental, the flowers can attract pollinators, so avoid using pesticides that may harm beneficial insects.
• Container Planting: If growing in a container, ensure adequate drainage and repot every few years to replenish soil nutrients.

By following these guidelines, your Double Take® Orange Quince should thrive, providing vibrant color and interest in your garden for many years.