If spring-flowering quince is not on your list of favourites because its thorns may prick you, you will be happy to know there's a new no-thorn variety available this year.
The new Double Take series of thornless quinces features three flower colours -red, pink and orange hues. In addition, the flowers contain higher petal counts, and resemble camellias more than classic quince. A breeding team at North Carolina State University developed the variety for Spring Meadow Nursery, which markets new plants under the Proven Winners ColorChoice brand.
Also known as Chaenomeles, or Japanese quince, the deciduous shrub flowers before leaves appear, creating an eye-catching contrast of colourful blooms on bare wood.
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