Roses Jacques Cartier arrived today, fortunately the weather is still ideal for planting. Previously I had prepared the bed where these three roses were intended for. Looking for a good display in Summer from this much loved variety. I have praised Jacques Cartier before in previous entries, so will say no more today.
Still looking for an early flowering shrub to brighten up that border. You will not go wrong with Chaenomeles, coming from China and Japan. This one cultivated for their flowers which start to open from late February and continue into Spring. White, pink, and red, single and double cup shaped flowers adorn this plant of which there are many varieties to choose from.
Also known as Quince, yellow to green or purplish green fruits ripen in Autumn, only palatable when cooked. One favoured by many is (Chaenomeles Superba Crimson and Gold) Sounds more like a description of a plant, but that really is the name of the variety, and I must say describes it very well.
Crimson and Gold is a compact plant, reaching three to four feet in height dark red flowers with golden yellow anthers adorn the bare stems in late Winter and early spring. The flowers are very striking and have an almost unrealistic appearance as if they had been stuck on by someone trying to add interest to an otherwise dull border. The shiny dark green leaves open in Spring partially hiding the flowers prematurely.
Fully hardy, grow in moderately fertile soil in sun or part shade, flowering and fruiting is best in full sun. Can be trained against a wall, or grow as a specimen shrub, or even a hedge.
Chaenomeles Superba Crimson and Gold

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