I tried to grow these 3 times now but with out success and I put it down to it being too wet and cold. It was quite a shady spot.

the fact you bit is south facing may make it ok. is the soil quite freely drained? You could always dig in some grit/gravel in the area before planting.

see what others think.

I think Eileen's choice will do the trick especially adding some good dainage. I have two Chaenomeles japonica but I know they can be a little temperamental. I do have an Indigofera (Indigo Plant) but I can't remember the variety. This has done a wonderful job against a south-facing aspect but the soil is on the dry side.

Thank you. I hadn't thought of adding grit - if I dig quite deep and add a lot maybe it could work...I've always loved these shrubs and never had one of my own...three Ahs.....
Idea- I could plant it at the far end away from the drain and just train it across! What colour are yours Jimmy?

Eileen its pretty wet in winter here but reasonably mild most of the time.
I was very surprised to hear they can be a bit tricky so thanks for the warning!

Sue, mine are red and white. Red one has been poor and the white variety has been quite prolific even though they are planted with six feet between them. On the other hand the red one is near a soakaway or it just could be me!

Interesting problem Sue. I've had two Quinces and the red was much more prolific than the creamy one - so they obviously vary. A friend's gardener 'swears by' adding grit to everything she plants and the plants are all huge. So may plant labels recommend 'good drainage' that I've started to do the same.

Everyone seems to agree -that's very helpful everyone. Several sites say sheltered is best and my site is sometimes very windy so with that and the wet soil maybe I'd better content myself with a low growing one elsewhere and grow something else on the wall. If you haven't tried small pieces of quince mixed with stewed apple, apple pie or crumble do give it a try! Thank you muchly for your advice !
Could try a gooseberry cordon instead on the wall- I grew one at our last house and it bore very well. Thank you for helping to get my thoughts sorted! Gooseberries aren't at all fussy so that should work. ...even if the flowers aren't very spectacular, lol...)

I would also consider raising the soil level a few inches with lots of garden compost or something similar, and then planting on the top of the slight mound. This will aid drainage when the soil is very wet

Thats a good idea Andrew!

Sue, the key issue is drainage as everyone has inferred. Does the water 'pool' in the planting bed for days & days? You mentioned that the bed doesn't get boggy so I think you're OK.

No Paul, it doesn't. Its just very wet when we get wet weather, which we usually do at this time of year especially.

Chaenomelese japonica does not like prolonged periods of wetness. It prefers a dry situation with the occasional soaking. Not the drainage ditch.