Cydonia oblonga ‘Vranja’

‘Vranja’ originates from Serbia, and it’s one of the best quinces you can grow. Broad-crowned, deciduous, with soft grey-hairy undersides to the leaves and large, soft pink-tinged flowers in late spring.

The real prize comes in autumn: large pear-shaped fruits, green ripening to a deep golden yellow, heavily scented and perfect for quince jelly, membrillo, or adding to apple pies. It holds an RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Plant in a warm, sheltered spot in full sun, in deep, moisture-retentive soil that isn’t prone to waterlogging. Flowers can get caught by late frost, so avoid a frost pocket. Size stays modest at around 4 to 5m eventually.

A lovely small tree for a kitchen garden or a sunny corner where the scent of ripening fruit can drift into the house.