Chaenomeles Quince ‘Kurokoji’

I purchased a small Chaenomeles ‘Kurokoji’ from one of my favorite Internet Ebay sellers with the thought of creating a tree with more of an artistic style (flowers) to it then a traditional style. I just potted it up in a nice dark blue Japanese rectangle pot. I will style it in an artistic style after it recovers from its re-potting.

The following description is from Evergreen Gardenworks which is a really great place to order trees from.

“Chaenomeles ‘Kurokoji’ A stiff upright plant to about 6 feet with the deepest red single flowers we have ever seen. The texture of the petals reminds one of red velvet. Needs some protection from afternoon sun in hottest driest locations. This quince does open flowers later, just before, or at the same time as leaf bud break. This cultivar suckers more than most quinces making a specimen bonsai difficult, but the intense flowers make excellent accent plants.”

I agree with Brent at Evergreens, this tree does need shade protection in the summer where it is hot. I did have trouble keeping it from wilting during the hottest part of the summer. This summer it will be relocated to semi-shaded area of the yard.

Updated 12-20-2018 The tree was styled this spring and was growing well into late summer. The tree started to loose its leaves again and it was moved into more shade. The leaves continued to drop off and I thought it was dead. I however continued to water it and the tree leafed out again when the temperature started dropping again. The second flush of leaves was sparse. I was very pleased that the tree was still alive. The tree was moved into the garage for winter.

I think this is going to be a great Bonsai tree in a few years from now. I will continue to update its progress.

Update 03-20-2109: 2018 was an interesting year for this tree. The tree started out great and was growing and by the end of the season it looked like it was dead. The particular cultivar does not like HEAT and will drop all of its leaves. Leaf dropping starts when temps get around 90 degrees even though the tree was moved into shade, it still dropped its leaves. By the end of the season it did produce a few leaves before cold weather set in. Bottom line is don’t throw the tree out if it looses its leaves. Keep watering it and hope for the best in spring, you just might be surprised to learn the tree is alive and well!!! The tree has numerous flower buds this spring.

Chaenomeles sp. by BCI

CHAENOMELES ‘Kurokoji’ by Learn 2 Grow

Kurokoji Ornamental Quince by Louis the Geek

Winter Delights in the Garden: Flowers by Pacific Horticulture

New Photo Gallery 03-20-2019