Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince

Chaenomeles 'Texas Scarlet'

Nature Hills Nursery

Shrub

$41⁶⁵

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Early Spring Blooms | Nature Hills

Start your season with a fiery show! The Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles japonica 'Texas Scarlet') bursts into bloom just when winter feels endless, covering bare branches with a profusion of brilliant watermelon-red flowers. This compact, deciduous shrub is one of the first to bloom each year and is beloved by pollinators and gardeners alike. Its early blossoms draw in birds, butterflies, and admiration from everyone who sees it!

Once the vivid flowers fade, new foliage emerges tinged with red before maturing to a glossy green, later transforming to rich burgundy-purple in fall. Its dense, thorny branching structure creates a natural, low-maintenance barrier. Native to Japan and part of the Rose family, this heirloom shrub has long been treasured for its spring fireworks and fruit that wildlife loves.

Key Features

Watermelon-red blooms in early spring, even before leaves appear, a true spring bloomer
Attracts birds, butterflies, and pollinators
Foliage transitions from red to green to purple in fall
Drought-tolerant and urban hardy
Compact, thorny habit makes an excellent barrier plant
Adaptable to a wide range of soils and climates
Yellow-green fruit attracts birds in late summer

Landscaping Uses

Let your garden pop to life with the Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince! Growing 2–3 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide, this small flowering bush makes a dramatic impact wherever it's planted. Its compact form and vivid blooms make it perfect for mixed borders, mass plantings, or container gardens.

Colorful early spring accent shrub, ideal for flowering shrub gardens
Foundation plant or front-of-border highlight
Mass planting for slopes, hot sites, or tough soil
Barrier or low hedge (great under windows or along fences)
Specimen near entryways, pathways, or garden art
Forcing branches indoors for winter blooms
Try pairing with other flowering shrubs like Forsythia or Spirea for continuous color

Care & Maintenance

Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9, Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince is a deciduous woody shrub known for its rugged nature and minimal care needs. It's a resilient performer from cityscapes to rural gardens, thriving in many conditions once established.

Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall. See tips for the new gardener for help getting started.
Sun Requirements: Full sun for best flowering; tolerates partial sun.
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soil but dislikes overly fertile or soggy conditions.
Moisture Needs: Water regularly the first year; once established, it's drought-tolerant. Use the Finger Test to check soil moisture before watering.
Mulching: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Learn why in How and Why to Mulch Your Plants.
Fertilization: Minimal feeding needed; avoid heavy fertilization. Apply compost in spring if desired.
Pruning: Blooms on old wood. Prune right after flowering to shape and remove older wood (3+ years). Learn about pruning flowering shrubs and proper timing.
Special Perks: Deer resistant, drought tolerant, handles urban pollution, low maintenance, and excellent for xeric landscapes.

Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong root support.

Brighten Up Your Spring with Texas Scarlet!

The Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince is like a Valentine from Ma Nature herself, bold, bright, and bursting with love for spring. It's easy to grow, wildlife-friendly, and an early bloomer that brings life to even the dreariest late winter garden. Add one (or several!) to your landscape for a splash of fiery color and endless compliments.

Order your Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince today from Nature Hills and enjoy its dazzling early blooms year after year!

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Bird Alert

I love this shrub! When this bush starts blooming...I know that within a day Ill see Baltimore Orioles. They love this bush, too. The red color attracts them and the honey in them must be just what they crave!

Hello Mar,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince! It’s such a joy to hear how this vibrant shrub not only brings beautiful color to your garden but also attracts those charming Baltimore Orioles. The connection you’ve made between the red blooms and their arrival is absolutely delightful—and you’re right, the nectar in the blossoms is like a special treat for them!

If you’re interested in inviting even more feathered friends, consider adding native plants with overlapping bloom times to provide a reliable food source throughout the seasons. You might also enjoy creating a small water source or installing birdbaths nearby to make your garden an even more inviting habitat.

We’re thrilled the Texas Scarlet is adding so much life and color to your outdoor space! Should you ever have questions or need tips on making the most of your garden’s ecosystem, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

great shrub for the birds.

I love this shrub too for the very same reason as Mar. The Baltimore orioles were numerous this spring. Beautiful.

Hello Ddeemae,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince! It’s delightful to hear that this shrub has not only added beauty to your garden but is also attracting Baltimore orioles in such numbers. They truly are a treat for any nature lover! Watching them flock around your flowering quince must be a joy.

If you’re interested in inviting even more hummingbirds and orioles, maintaining a water source nearby or planting complementary native flowers can make your garden an even more inviting sanctuary for these wonderful birds.

Thanks again for your thoughtful feedback—happy birdwatching and gardening!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

great shrub for the birds.

I love this shrub too for the very same reason as Mar. The Baltimore orioles were numerous this spring. Beautiful.

Hello ddeemae,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince! We’re thrilled to hear that it has attracted so many Baltimore orioles to your yard this spring—there’s something truly special about creating a habitat that supports such vibrant wildlife. Your enthusiasm for this shrub as a favorite for the birds perfectly highlights why it’s a lovely addition to any garden.

If you’re interested in further enriching the habitat for orioles, you might consider adding native plants that provide nectar, fruits, or shelter, such as hummingbird mint or viburnum varieties. These can complement your quince beautifully and support an even greater variety of birds throughout the seasons.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about plant care or need recommendations for bird-friendly landscaping!

Hit those spring gardens with warmth and joy,

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Bird Alert

Hello Mar,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince! It’s heartwarming to hear how not only do you enjoy the vibrant beauty of the blooms, but the Baltimore Orioles love it too. The bright red flowers certainly have a way of attracting these lovely birds, and it’s fantastic that you have found a way to connect with nature through your garden.

If you’re interested in further attracting orioles, you might consider adding some supplemental foods like orange slices or nectar feeders to keep them coming back. Also, planting other berry-producing shrubs nearby can provide additional nourishment for your feathered friends throughout the season.

We’re delighted your garden is bringing you such joyful moments, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever want gardening tips or additional plant recommendations that support local wildlife.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince

My forest friends really love this plant

Hello Gary,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince! We’re delighted to hear that your forest friends are enjoying the plant—it's always such a joy to know our selections are supporting local wildlife. This quince is truly a lovely addition to any garden, attracting birds and pollinators alike.

If you’re looking for tips to keep it thriving, make sure it gets plenty of sun and well-drained soil. Pruning after flowering can help maintain the plant’s shape and encourage healthy growth season after season. Also, monitoring for any pests will ensure it stays vibrant and lush.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like further guidance or have any questions in the future. Happy gardening to you and your forest friends!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince