Chaenomeles speciosa 'Cameo'

Cameo Flowering Quince

'Cameo' is known for its abundant beautiful, double, peach-pink flowers in April. The flowers are born on old wood just before the leaves fully emerge, and occur singly or 2-4 per cluster, creating an excellent dispersal of coloring throughout the shrub. Unlike the straight species, the bright, lustrous foliage of 'Cameo' provides seasonal interest after the one week of flower show, making it a more useful flowering quince. Sparsely produces small, apple-like fruits, commonly called quinces, that are edible if used in preserves; harvest in October. Widely adapted to different soils and microclimates. Place in full sun location for best flower display, although it is tolerant to partial shade. Reportedly has some resistance to leaf blights, although still subject to occasional scale and mite infestation. Some pruning is needed to maintain form, and spiny branching can make that difficult. Rejuvenate periodically by pruning to a quite low (6") framework. Collects trash in the branches. Rabbits like to chew up the twigs and small branches.