Photo of Cotoneaster franchetii fruit by Père Igor

Photo by Père Igor

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Cotoneaster franchetii

Also Known As

  • Cotoneaster franchettii
  • Grey Cotoneaster

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 8'-10'
  • W: 8'-10'

planting zones

  • 5a-10b

More Options

Cotoneaster franchetii plant details

Cotoneaster franchetii is a broadleaf deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub with blue and green foliage. In summer pink and white flowers emerge followed by orange and red fruit. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cotoneaster franchetii

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: rosaceae
Foliage: deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 8 FT - 10 FT - wide, 8 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in summer
Uses: hedge, potentially invasive, winter interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cotoneaster franchetii

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and wind
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Deservedly popular in Europe, this graceful 6-10' shrub "excels in the elegance of its arching, downy shoots" (GS Thomas); handsome sage-green foliage, clusters of small white flowers and showy orange-red fruits in bunches. S/M
Large gracefully pendulous shrub with gray leaves and orange berries in the fall and winter. Disease resistant. 4-6' in ten years. Eventually 6-8' tall and wide. Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

By: Fantastic Plants

Franchett's Cotoneaster starts it berry color at the beginning of September with orange red and by November provides a sea of bright red berries. With winter closing in, some of the leaves turn beautiful shades of yellow and red but 1/3 to 1/2 remain green as it is a semi-evergreen or evergreen shrub which makes an excellent, fast-growing, dense hedge. From Tibet and China. Leaves are small, green-gray above and furry gray beneath on arching stems. Does self seed some so shouldn't be planted in Native/Wild areas where seedlings wouldn't be monitored.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Gardening facts about Cotoneaster franchetii plant

How to Grow Cotoneaster franchetii

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • wind tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • red
    • orange
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen
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