Double Take® Scarlet Quince

The Double Take® Scarlet Quince, is a deciduous shrub that boasts a multitude of appealing attributes, making it a valued addition to any garden or landscape. This plant stands tall in the garden world with its height ranging between 4 to 5 feet and a spread of 3 to 4 feet. Its mounded habit lends itself well to a variety of garden roles, including as a thriller in container plantings or as a striking feature in garden borders.

One of the most striking features of the Double Take Scarlet Quince is its vibrant red flowers. These large, double blooms appear in early, mid, and late spring, creating a prolonged display of color. Resembling camellias in appearance, these flowers not only enhance the beauty of the garden but are also excellent for cut flower arrangements.

In terms of foliage, the plant is adorned with green leaves that provide a lush backdrop to its bright red flowers. This combination of red and green makes it a visually appealing plant throughout its blooming season.

The Double Take® Scarlet Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa) offers a range of landscaping uses, making it a versatile choice for various garden designs and settings. Here are some of its primary landscaping applications:

1. Mixed Borders: Its vibrant red flowers and lush green foliage make it an excellent choice for mixed borders. The Double Take Scarlet Quince can be combined with perennials, other shrubs, and ornamental grasses to create a diverse and visually appealing border.
2. Cutting Gardens: The large, double flowers of this quince are perfect for cutting gardens. They provide a source of beautiful blooms for indoor arrangements, especially in early spring when other flowers are not yet in bloom.
3. Hedging: Due to its moderate size and mounded habit, the Double Take Scarlet Quince is well-suited for hedging. It can create a colorful and dense hedge that provides privacy and aesthetic appeal.
4. Mass Plantings: This plant is ideal for mass plantings in larger areas, like public parks or spacious gardens. When planted in groups, the Double Take Scarlet Quince creates a stunning sea of red blooms in spring, offering a breathtaking display.
5. Stand-alone Specimen: The striking appearance of this shrub allows it to be used as a stand-alone specimen in a garden. It can be a focal point in a small garden or a featured plant in a larger landscape.
6. Container Gardening: While it typically thrives in the ground, the Double Take Scarlet Quince can also be grown in large containers. This makes it suitable for patios, balconies, or areas where ground planting isn't feasible.
7. Wildlife Gardens: While it is deer-resistant, the Double Take Scarlet Quince can still attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.
8. Asian/Zen Gardens: Its striking blooms and structured growth habit make it a good fit for Asian or Zen garden designs, where it can add a splash of color while maintaining the balance and simplicity characteristic of these styles.

In each of these uses, the Double Take® Scarlet Quince brings not only aesthetic value with its stunning flowers and foliage but also practical benefits, such as drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements. This combination makes it a highly desirable plant for a wide range of landscaping projects.

The Double Take® Scarlet Quince is a resilient and attractive plant that requires some specific planting and care practices to ensure its optimal growth and blooming. Here's a guide to help you with planting and caring for this beautiful shrub:

Planting:

1. Time: The best time to plant the Double Take Scarlet Quince is in the fall or early spring.
2. Location: Choose a location that receives full sun, as the plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
3. Soil: This quince prefers well-drained soil. It's adaptable to various soil types but thrives in loamy soil.
4. Planting Depth and Spacing: Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times wider. Space the plants about 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for spread.
5. Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Care:

1. Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering.
2. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth.
3. Fertilizing: Feed the plant in early spring with a controlled-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
4. Pruning: Prune to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Since it blooms on old wood, the best time to prune is after the flowering season.
5. Winter Care: Although hardy, in colder zones, providing some winter protection, such as additional mulch around the base, can be beneficial.

Pest and Disease Management:

• The Double Take Scarlet Quince is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for common issues like aphids and fungal diseases.
• Practice good sanitation by removing any fallen leaves or debris around the plant to prevent disease.

Special Considerations:

• This plant is thornless and deer-resistant, making it a hassle-free choice for many gardens.
• It does not produce fruit, which means less maintenance and no concerns about unwanted seedlings.

By following these planting and care guidelines, your Double Take® Scarlet Quince should thrive and provide a stunning display of red blooms in the spring. Its low-maintenance nature and striking appearance make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike.