Flowering quince has always been a reliable herald of spring, but most varieties bloom once and then fade into the background for the rest of the year. The Double Take series changed that by delivering a second flush of color in late summer — and without the thorny canes that make older quince shrubs a headache to prune. If you have been searching for a shrub that earns its place beyond a single week of glory, this is the category worth your attention.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I specialize in analyzing grower data, comparing plant genetics, and synthesizing aggregated owner feedback to help gardeners choose varieties that perform reliably in real-world conditions.
Whether you are planting a foundation border, a mixed shrub bed, or a standalone accent near an entryway, matching bloom color, mature size, and reblooming habit to your site makes all the difference. After reviewing grower data and owner feedback, I’ve found the best double take quince choices for dependable spring and summer reblooming in your garden.
How To Choose The Best Double Take Quince
Not all flowering quince shrubs offer the same performance. The Double Take series stands apart with thornless stems, a compact growth habit, and the rare ability to rebloom in late summer. Before you decide on a specific variety, it helps to understand the key differences between the options available and how they align with your garden conditions.
Reblooming vs. Once-Blooming Genetics
Traditional quince varieties, including many heritage red and pink cultivars, produce flowers exclusively in early spring. The Double Take series has been selected specifically for its reblooming trait, which means you get a second display in late summer when most other shrubs have finished. If season-long interest matters to you, prioritize varieties labeled as reblooming or those from the Proven Winners Double Take lineup.
Thornless Canes for Easier Maintenance
Standard flowering quince is notoriously thorny, making pruning and placement near walkways a challenge. Every variant in the Double Take series is thornless, which simplifies annual care and makes them safer for entryway plantings or areas near foot traffic. This single characteristic often justifies the premium over older quince varieties.
Bloom Color and Landscape Fit
Double Take quince is available in scarlet, pink, peach-orange, and multicolor forms. Scarlet and red varieties create a bold focal point, while softer pink and peach tones blend more easily into pastel or mixed borders. Consider the existing color palette of your garden and whether you want the shrub to contrast or harmonize with neighboring perennials and trees.
Hardiness and Site Requirements
All Double Take quince varieties perform best in full to part sun and well-drained loam soil. They are suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8, with some tolerance in Zone 4 if protected from harsh winter winds. Check the mature height and spread — most reach about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide — and allow enough room for air circulation to reduce the risk of leaf spot.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proven Winners Double Take Scarlet | Reblooming Shrub | Thornless & repeat blooms | 2-gal pot, 36-48 in | Amazon |
| Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince | Brilliant Red | Vibrant spring color | 1-2 ft, 4 ft mature | Amazon |
| Cameo Flowering Quince | Peach-Orange | Unique warm tones | 2-3 ft, gallon pot | Amazon |
| Toyo Nishiki Flowering Quince | Multicolor Blooms | Pink & white on one plant | 2 ft, gallon pot | Amazon |
| Scarff’s Red Flowering Quince | Classic Red | Budget-friendly starter | 1-2 ft, gallon pot | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Proven Winners Double Take Scarlet (Quince) Shrub
The Double Take Scarlet from Proven Winners is the variety that put this series on the map for good reason. It ships in a 2-gallon trade pot fully rooted and ready for immediate planting, assuming weather conditions cooperate. The shrub reaches a mature height and spread of 36 to 48 inches, making it a compact fit for foundation beds, mixed borders, or even large patio containers.
What truly sets this selection apart is its reblooming habit. While most quince deliver a single spring show, this one produces gorgeous scarlet-red flowers in spring and then repeats in late summer. The canes are completely thornless, which is a welcome departure from older quince cultivars that can turn pruning into a painful chore. It thrives in full or partial sun and is suited to USDA Zones 5 through 8.
Owner feedback consistently highlights the vigor of the plant upon arrival and the intensity of the bloom color. The one nuance to be aware of is that the shrub will arrive dormant with no leaves during late fall through winter, which is normal — it leafs out reliably in spring. For a low-maintenance, reblooming quince that delivers two seasons of color, this is the definitive choice.
What works
- Thornless canes simplify pruning and placement near pathways
- Reblooms in late summer for extended seasonal interest
- Comes in a 2-gallon pot with well-established roots
What doesn’t
- Arrives dormant in colder months which may surprise new gardeners
- Premium price point compared to bare-root quince options
2. Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince
The Texas Scarlet is a brilliant red quince that ships from DAS Farms at 1 to 2 feet tall in a gallon pot. It is a deciduous shrub that thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8 with full to part sun exposure. The mature height settles around 4 feet, which gives it a tidy, rounded profile suitable for mass plantings or as a single accent.
This variety is valued for the intensity of its scarlet-red blooms that appear in early spring. The color is noticeably deeper and more saturated than many red quince cultivars, making it a striking choice when you want a strong visual anchor in the garden. The plant is shipped double-boxed with soilless media for safe transport and includes a 30-day transplant success guarantee when planting instructions are followed.
One detail worth noting: this is a once-blooming quince, not a reblooming type. If your priority is the richest possible red in spring rather than repeat performance, Texas Scarlet delivers admirably. The lack of thorns is not specifically listed for this variety, so expect standard quince thorns. It is best suited to areas where you do not need frequent pruning access.
What works
- Deep scarlet-red flowers with excellent color saturation
- Includes a 30-day transplant guarantee for peace of mind
- Hardy across a wide zone range from 4 to 8
What doesn’t
- Once-blooming only, no rebloom in late summer
- Not confirmed as thornless, may require careful handling
3. Cameo Flowering Quince
The Cameo Flowering Quince offers one of the most distinctive color palettes in the quince family: soft peach to warm orange blooms that stand apart from the typical reds and pinks. Shipped from DAS Farms at 2 to 3 feet tall in a gallon container, this deciduous shrub matures to about 4 feet tall and wide, making it a moderate-sized addition to any sunny border.
It is described as having an “extended bloom time,” which suggests a longer spring flowering window than some standard quince varieties. The plant prefers well-drained loam soil and regular watering, and it is suited to full sun exposure across Zones 4 through 8. Like other DAS Farms offerings, it ships double-boxed with soilless media and comes with a 30-day transplant guarantee provided the included instructions are followed.
Gardeners who want something beyond the standard red or pink will appreciate Cameo’s warm, subtle tones. It pairs beautifully with purple-leaved shrubs or spring bulbs in complementary hues. The trade-off is that this is not a reblooming variety, so the color show is confined to spring. If you value unique coloring over repeat performance, Cameo is a strong mid-range choice.
What works
- Unusual peach-orange bloom color that stands out in the garden
- Larger starter size at 2-3 feet tall upon delivery
- Extended spring bloom window compared to some quince cultivars
What doesn’t
- Once-blooming only, no late-summer rebloom
- Requires well-drained loam for best performance
4. Multicolor Flowering Quince ‘Toyo Nishiki’
Toyo Nishiki is a truly unusual quince that produces both pink and white blooms on the same plant — sometimes even on the same branch. This multicolor effect gives the shrub a dynamic, ever-changing appearance during its spring bloom period. Shipped at 2 feet tall in a gallon container from DAS Farms, it grows to a mature height of about 4 feet with a similar spread.
This variety is noted as organic and features the same extended bloom time and pollinator-attracting qualities found in other DAS Farms quince offerings. It is suited to Zones 4 through 8 with full to part sun and requires regular watering. The plant ships double-boxed with a 30-day transplant guarantee, and it is important to plant it directly in the ground rather than transferring to another container.
The Toyo Nishiki is not a reblooming variety, so its color display is limited to spring, but the novelty of having two bloom colors on one shrub extends its visual interest. It works beautifully as a specimen plant where visitors can appreciate the unique flower variation up close. The main caveat is the presence of thorns, which is standard for non-Double Take quince varieties.
What works
- Pink and white blooms on the same plant create a unique display
- Attracts pollinators with extended spring bloom time
- Certified organic growing material for cleaner planting
What doesn’t
- Not a rebloomer, only one flush of flowers per year
- Thorns present, not suitable for high-traffic areas
5. Scarff’s Red Flowering Quince
Scarff’s Red is the most budget-friendly entry in this roundup, offering a classic red-flowering quince at a lower investment point. Shipped at 1 to 2 feet tall in a gallon container from DAS Farms, this deciduous shrub reaches a mature height of about 4 feet and performs reliably in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8 with full sun exposure.
The blooms are a traditional scarlet red that appears in spring, and the plant is described as attracting pollinators while offering an extended bloom time. Like other DAS Farms varieties, it ships double-boxed with soilless media and includes a 30-day transplant guarantee. The planting instructions emphasize putting it directly in the ground rather than containerizing, and deciduous plants bought dormant in winter will leaf out the following spring.
This is a straightforward, no-frills quince for gardeners who want a reliable red spring bloomer without paying for reblooming genetics or specialty branding. It is a once-bloomer with standard thorns, so it is best placed in a spot where seasonal pruning access is not a daily concern. For a cost-effective way to add quince to a larger landscape, Scarff’s Red does the job well.
What works
- Entry-level price point for budget-conscious gardeners
- Reliable red bloom color with extended spring display
- 30-day transplant guarantee included with purchase
What doesn’t
- Once-blooming only, no late-season rebloom
- Thorny canes require careful handling during pruning
Hardware & Specs Guide
Double Take vs. Traditional Quince
Double Take varieties are specifically bred for thornless canes and reblooming capability. Traditional quince cultivars such as Texas Scarlet, Cameo, Toyo Nishiki, and Scarff’s Red bloom exclusively in spring and typically have thorns. If ease of maintenance and late-summer color matter most, prioritize Double Take genetics. If budget or a specific bloom color is your primary driver, a traditional once-bloomer may be sufficient.
Hardiness and Site Needs
All varieties in this guide thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8 with full to part sun. Well-drained loam soil with regular watering produces the best flowering. Premium and mid-range options tolerate a range of soil types, but none perform well in consistently wet or compacted clay. Allow 4 feet of space around each shrub for mature spread and air circulation.
Bloom Timing and Reblooming
Standard quince blooms in early spring for a period of 2 to 4 weeks, depending on local temperatures. Double Take varieties extend the season with a second bloom in late summer. All varieties attract pollinators during their flowering window. If you want color across two seasons, a reblooming Double Take is the only option — every other variety listed here is a once-bloomer.
Planting and Establishment
All DAS Farms quince ship in gallon pots with soilless media and must be planted directly in the ground, not repotted. Proven Winners Double Take ships in a 2-gallon trade pot and can be planted immediately upon arrival. Deciduous quince arrives dormant in winter — this is normal. Follow the included instructions carefully, and water regularly during the first growing season to ensure a strong root system.
FAQ
What makes Double Take quince different from ordinary flowering quince?
When is the best time to plant flowering quince?
How much sun does a Double Take quince need?
Do I need to prune Double Take quince?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best double take quince winner is the Proven Winners Double Take Scarlet because it combines thornless canes, reliable reblooming, and a compact 3-to-4-foot size that suits nearly any garden setting. If you want the richest possible spring red without the premium for repeat blooms, grab the Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince. And for a budget-friendly starter that still delivers classic red spring color, nothing beats the Scarff’s Red Flowering Quince.