This hardy, deciduous, spiny shrub growing to h 2.5m x s 5m brings colour to the late winter/early spring garden with flowers appearing before the glossy, dark-green leaves. Native to China it flowers are white, tinged with deep pink, followed by apple-shaped, greenish-yellow fruit 5cm across, fragrant when ripe.
Grow in full sun or partial shade in any type of well-drained soil either as a bush or against a wall. When young and after flowering, prune side-shoots to five or six leaves and remove crossing stems. Once established, take out excess growth in late spring or summer and cut back all side-shoots to two or three leaves.