The stems of this easy to grow shrub are studded along their length with large (up to 5cm across), many-petalled flowers, which start to open just before the foliage appears. Not only do these flowers add a bright splash of colour early in the year, but they are also sought after by bees, helping them to top up their energy levels. Their stems are thorn-free, which makes it much easier to tie them onto a support and train them as a wall shrub (if space is limited), and it also makes it possible to plant them near a pathway without worrying about getting snagged every time you pass.
How to care for Chaenomeles speciosa Scarlet Storm (PBR):
After flowering prune side shoots to five or six leaves and remove crossing or ill-placed stems. Once established remove excess growth in late spring or summer and cut back all side shoots to two or three leaves.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
1.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
-
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.