Chojubai (dwarf flowering quince)

Chojubai (dwarf flowering quince) key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Little data for the cultivar

Size

Small and stays compact even in the ground (bonsai: mini to shohin)

Watering

Fertilizer (April–October, except midsummer)

Light & placement

Likes sun—too little light reduces flowering. In summer give bright part shade out of the afternoon sun

Watering

Sensitive to drought and drops leaves when dry: 1–2 times daily in spring/autumn, 2–3 in midsummer, every other day in winter

Temperature & overwintering

Tolerates heat and cold (C. japonica: USDA zones 5–9). Winter outdoors, but shelter from freezing wind and frost

Soil & repotting

Free-draining mix; repot every 1–2 years, ideally in September–October

Fertilizer

Monthly solid fertilizer April–October, except midsummer; it throws long shoots, so feed less if you cannot keep up with trimming

Pruning & styling

Cut shoots back to 2–3 buds; long shoots do not flower, so repeat grow-and-cut. Remove spent flowers before fruit forms

Pests & cautions

Constant new growth attracts aphids; spider mites appear in still air. Mind the thorns

About Chojubai (dwarf flowering quince)

Chojubai is a dwarf, repeat-blooming quince cultivar native to Japan, prized for its vermilion single flowers each spring and autumn — a beginner-friendly favorite for shohin and mini bonsai.

7 things to know before growing Chojubai (dwarf flowering quince)

1. 1Bright, Airy Placement

   Chojubai thrives with plenty of sunlight, so keep it outdoors in a spot with good light and airflow to encourage strong blooming. Direct summer sun and harsh western light can scorch the leaves, so moving it to partial shade during the hottest months helps. It tolerates winter cold reasonably well, but protect the pot from freezing.

2. 2Watering Basics

   Water thoroughly once the soil surface has dried out. The plant dries out faster while flowering or pushing new growth, so keep a closer eye on moisture during those periods. Avoid letting water sit in the saucer, since soggy roots can lead to root rot.

3. 3Well-Draining Soil

   Chojubai prefers soil that drains well and stays airy around the roots. A typical mix uses bonsai-grade akadama as a base, blended with something like kiryu sand as needed. Soil that holds too much moisture raises the risk of root rot.

4. 4Regular Repotting

   Roots tend to fill the pot fairly quickly, so repotting every one to two years is recommended. The best time is September to October, when you can trim the roots and replant in fresh, well-draining soil. Skipping repotting for too long can weaken growth and reduce flowering.

5. 5Prune After Flowering

   Trimming back overgrown branches once a flowering flush has finished helps maintain the tree's shape ahead of the next round of blooms. Long shoots don't set flower buds, so cut them back to two or three buds and repeat the cycle of letting them grow and cutting them back. Because Chojubai flowers repeatedly through the seasons, buds tend to form often, so thin out crowded branches as needed. It is semi-deciduous: a few times a year its leaves may yellow and drop, but new shoots soon follow.

6. 6Feeding Through the Growing Season

   During the spring-to-autumn growing season, apply slow-release solid fertilizer at regular intervals. Fertilizers containing phosphorus are often used to support strong flowering. Cut back on feeding during the peak summer heat and winter dormancy.

7. 7Choosing a Healthy Plant

   Chojubai is considered beginner-friendly, but it still helps to check branch structure, bark condition, and how new shoots are forming before choosing one. Since it flowers repeatedly through the seasons, a plant in bloom lets you see the flower color and density firsthand, which is a useful reference point.

Frequently asked questions about Chojubai (dwarf flowering quince)

Q.Is Chojubai actually related to plum trees?

A.No — despite the name, Chojubai isn't related to plum (ume) trees at all. It's a cultivar developed from Kusaboke, a type of flowering quince, and is thought to have gotten its name because its blossoms resemble plum flowers.

Q.Can beginners grow Chojubai successfully?

A.Yes, Chojubai is generally considered a beginner-friendly variety. Once you understand the basics of placement and watering, it's said to be relatively manageable even for someone new to bonsai.

Q.How many times a year does it bloom?

A.Chojubai is a repeat bloomer, so it has the potential to flower at various points throughout the year. It blooms most heavily in spring and autumn, producing single vermilion-red flowers, among other colors.

Q.Does it grow large if planted in the ground?

A.Chojubai is naturally small and doesn't tend to grow large even when planted directly in the ground. This makes it easy to keep compact as a potted plant or bonsai, and it's well suited to shohin or mini bonsai styles.

Q.How often does it need repotting?

A.As a guideline, repot once every one to two years, in September or October. Because roots fill the pot fairly quickly, regular repotting helps keep growth and flowering healthy.

Handy Growing Tools for Chojubai (dwarf flowering quince)

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