It is taller than another commonly cultivated species, C. japonica, usually growing to about 2 m (6 ft 7 in).

[1][3] The fruit is a fragrant, hard pome that resembles a quince.

[2] This plant is widely cultivated in temperate regions for its twining habit and its showy flowers which appear early in the season, occasionally even in midwinter.

Numerous cultivars with flowers in shades of white, pink and red have been selected.

The following cultivars and hybrids have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:[4] The following cultivars have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit: