Cydonia oblonga ‘Vranja’ – Fragrant Golden Quince with Exceptional Culinary Value
Cydonia oblonga ‘Vranja’ is a traditional quince variety prized for its enormous, aromatic fruit and reliable performance in the garden. Originating from the Balkans, this heritage cultivar is celebrated for both its ornamental presence and its outstanding use in the kitchen. With spring blossoms, sculptural fruit, and intoxicating fragrance, ‘Vranja’ is a timeless choice for gardeners who love productive, character-filled trees.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
In mid to late spring, ‘Vranja’ produces delicate, pale pink to white blossoms. These simple, apple-like flowers are subtly beautiful and highly attractive to pollinators, bringing life and movement to the garden early in the season.
Summer:
As the flowers fade, large green fruits begin to form. The tree’s broad, deep-green foliage provides a lush backdrop while the developing quinces add interest and anticipation through the summer months.
Autumn:
Autumn is when ‘Vranja’ truly shines. The fruits ripen to a rich golden yellow and release an intense, sweet fragrance that can perfume an entire room. Harvest time brings both visual drama and culinary promise.
Winter:
After leaf fall, the tree’s naturally branching structure gives it a sculptural, architectural quality, making it an attractive feature even during the dormant season.
Structure & Form
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Cydonia oblonga ‘Vranja’ typically grows to 4–5 meters in height and spread, forming a small to medium-sized tree.
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It has a rounded, slightly irregular habit that feels natural and traditional rather than formal.
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The broad leaves and sturdy branches give the tree a robust appearance, while the large fruit adds weight and visual interest in late season.
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Suitable for training as a standard tree or grown more freely in informal garden settings.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Orchards & Kitchen Gardens: Ideal for home orchards where productivity and flavor matter most.
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Mixed Borders: Works beautifully as a feature tree in larger borders, offering spring flowers and autumn fruit.
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Cottage & Traditional Gardens: Its heritage character fits perfectly into classic and informal garden styles.
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Wildlife-Friendly Gardens: The blossoms support pollinators, and fallen fruit can benefit wildlife.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Full sun is best for maximum fruit size, ripening, and fragrance.
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Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of conditions. Avoid waterlogged ground.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy and well-suited to temperate climates.
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Maintenance: Low-maintenance overall. Prune lightly in winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and maintain an open shape. Once established, ‘Vranja’ is relatively drought tolerant, though regular watering improves fruit quality.
Why Choose Cydonia oblonga ‘Vranja’?
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Exceptionally Large Fruit: One of the biggest quince varieties available, perfect for generous harvests.
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Intense Fragrance: Few fruits can rival the rich, perfumed scent of ripe ‘Vranja’ quinces.
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Outstanding for Cooking: Ideal for quince paste (membrillo), jams, jellies, baking, and poaching.
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Ornamental & Productive: Combines seasonal beauty with practical yields, making it both decorative and useful.
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Heritage Variety: A time-tested cultivar valued for reliability, flavor, and tradition.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Other Fruit Trees: Pair with apples, pears, or medlars for a diverse home orchard.
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Spring Bulbs: Underplant with daffodils or crocuses for early-season color before the tree leafs out.
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Perennials: Combine with lavender, salvia, or geraniums for a soft, cottage-style feel around the base.
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Shrubs: Plant alongside hawthorn or elder for a naturalistic, wildlife-friendly planting scheme.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
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