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Cotoneaster franchetii

Franchet's cotoneaster

Evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub up to 3m high with arching branches bearing leaves 3.5cm long, glossy grey-green above with white beneath, and in early summer produces clusters of 5-15 white flowers, tinged pink, followed by oblong orange-scarlet fruits; the flowers are attractive to bees

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer White Red Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Green Orange Red
Winter Grey Silver Green Orange Red
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen or Semi evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Cotoneaster can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple, entire leaves and clusters of small white or pink flowers in spring and summer, followed by showy red, purple or black berries

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China (Yunnan)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun or partial shade in any soil that is well-drained; for hedging plant 40-60cm apart

Propagation

Propagate from seed (tree/shrub) or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 8 (early-flowering evergreen shrubs) - usually no pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects, cotoneaster webber caterpillar, aphids and woolly aphid

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus

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