Chaenomeles japonica ‘Toyo-Nishiki,’ Toyo-Nishiki flowering quince, is a deciduous shrub in the rose family, and is a not-so-distant relative of apple and pear trees. Some species of quince are edible, although the fruit must either be “bletted”—allowed to freeze in late autumn temperatures—or be cooked in order to be palatable. While flowering quince shrubs, like Toyo-nishiki, also produce fruit, they are grown as ornamentals and prized for their beautiful blooms.

This beautiful ornamental is popular in Japan due to its plentiful blooms. There it’s also common in bonsai form.

Flowering quince shrubs are native to Japan, China, and Korea. Toyo-Nishiki can grow up to 8 feet tall when uninhibited, but this variety is also commonly grown as a bonsai in native Japan.

WHERE TO FIND THIS PLANT 
On the High Line between 21st and 22nd Streets.

The High Line’s planting design is inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew up between rail tracks after the trains stopped running in the 1980s. Today, the High Line includes more than 500 species of perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees – each chosen for their hardiness, adaptability, diversity, and seasonal variation in color and texture. Some of the species that originally grew on the High Line’s rail bed are reflected in the park landscape today. Every week we share one of our gardeners’ current favorites with you.

Our horticultural team counts on members and friends like you to help keep the High Line beautiful and thriving. Join our community of supporters who play an essential role in the High Line’s most important gardening projects.

TD Bank is the Presenting Green Sponsor of the High Line.

High Line Gardens are supported by Greenacre Foundation.