Orange-red flowers cover the bare branches of Chaenomeles japonica Cido in early spring, giving a low hedge or border color before its leaves fully open. The broad, spreading shrub stays around 20 to 40 inches tall while reaching 5 to 8 feet across.
By late summer and fall, large aromatic yellow fruit ripens for cooked preserves, jams, and jellies. Remove the toxin-containing seeds before preparation, and keep ornamental fruit away from pets.
Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. It accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline conditions and grows in clay, loam, sand, or chalk. Use it in an informal hedge, edible border, or wildlife garden.
