Overview

Cotoneaster franchetii is a spreading, trailing, bushy, spreading branched shrub in the genus Cotoneaster, part of the Rosaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Cotoneaster franchetii grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedges, groundcover and wildlife gardens. It is native to China South-Central, Myanmar, Thailand and Tibet.

About

Cotoneaster franchetii is a species of Cotoneaster native to southwestern China, in the provinces of Guizhou, Sichuan, Tibet, and Yunnan, and also in adjacent northern Myanmar and northern Thailand.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Cotoneaster franchetii

About the genus

Cotoneaster is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, native to the Palaearctic region, with a strong concentration of diversity in the genus in the mountains of southwestern China and the Himalayas. They are related to hawthorns (Crataegus), firethorns (Pyracantha), photinias (Photinia), and rowans (Sorbus).

Wikipedia contributors, "Cotoneaster", CC BY-SA 4.0Cotoneaster

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cotoneaster

Sunlight
Full sun, Full shade
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing
Exposure
Full sun, Partial shade
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Cotoneaster franchetii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrub
Habit
Spreading, Trailing, Bushy, Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous, Evergreen
Height
3.0 m
Suggested uses
Hedges, Groundcover, Wildlife gardens
Native to
China South-Central, Myanmar, Thailand, Tibet

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cotoneaster franchetii

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained soil; tolerant of urban conditions; prune to maintain shape
Pruning
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood
Propagation
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistance
Aphids, Woolly aphids, Scale insects, Cotoneaster webber caterpillar
Disease resistance
Fire blight, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Cotoneaster franchetii?

Prefers well-drained soil; tolerant of urban conditions; prune to maintain shape.

Where is the best place to plant Cotoneaster franchetii?

Cotoneaster franchetii prefers full sun and full shade. It suits full sun and partial shade positions.

What soil does Cotoneaster franchetii need?

Cotoneaster franchetii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Cotoneaster franchetii?

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.

How big does Cotoneaster franchetii grow?

Cotoneaster franchetii reaches a height of 3.0 m.

Is Cotoneaster franchetii hardy in the UK?

Cotoneaster franchetii has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Cotoneaster franchetii?

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings.