Quince 'Portugal'

The 'Portugal' quince is one of the oldest and most distinguished varieties, valued for its large, high-quality fruit and its ornamental beauty. The tree has a vigorous, spreading habit and can reach a notable size if not pruned, forming an elegant, twisted specimen over time. The leaves are large and silvery-green, and in late spring, it produces very large, single pale pink flowers that are quite striking. The fruit is pear-shaped, very large, and turns a brilliant golden-yellow when ripe, emitting a powerful, intoxicating fragrance. One of the unique features of 'Portugal' is that the flesh turns a deep red when cooked, making it highly desirable for jellies and marmalades. It is relatively hardy but, like all quinces, it crops best in the UK when planted in a warm, sheltered spot in full sun, ideally near a south-facing wall or in a protected corner.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Deep, moist, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: May.