Quince Aromatnaya / Cydonia oblonga 'Aromatnaya'

If I had to chose the feature tree for my garden, this quince tree will be the unquestionable leader.  I planted it in 2013 and, as many fruit trees in my garden, it is grown as a espalier. Strangers stop by when it is loaded with fruit and ask what sort of weird apple it is.  


It is beautiful and its presence is felt strongly in the Sunny Garden. 


It is stately in winter, delicate in spring, assertive in summer and absolutely glorious in fall.  


It is a good grower in my garden, not bothered by as many pests as apple trees. I irrigate my Sunny Garden, so it gets enough water not to be stressed, and I cannot comment on its possible drought tolerance.  Whenever deer break into my garden, quince (together with persimmon) is the least favorite of the fruit trees for them, usually they leave it alone (it's the fuzzy leaves, I suspect).


In my garden, the fruit ripens in October and can be picked as needed because the fruit can last long on the tree, looking wonderful and filling the air with powerful and very pleasant scent. 


This particular variety of quince is among the best - relatively tender, very aromatic (hence the name) and sweet. The texture of the fruit is also one of the best there.  I make Spanish Membrillo, Armenian quince preserve, and the culinary highlight of late fall - Turkish poached quince.   


Grow facts and tips:

Hardy to USDA Zone 5

Smaller to Medium size tree, up to 15 ft in maturity, depending on variety

Sun, light shade, adequate moisture (not too sensitive to our waterlogged soils in winter)

Usually sold grafted, watch for graft suckering

Fairly easy to espalier; if grown as a standard tree, it would require regular pruning

Not bothered by usual apple pests in my garden

Deer would munch on it, but as a last resort

Grow it for fruit and the fall wow factor! 



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