What is the common name for cotoneaster franchetii?
Cotoneaster franchetii, commonly called gray cotoneaster or orange cotoneaster, is an evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub that typically grows to 10′ tall with cane-like upright-arching branches. It is native to southwestern China, Myanmar and northern Thailand. Cotoneaster franchetii is a fast growing dense evergreen hedging plant with grey-green ornate foliage. It produces blush white flowers in the spring which are followed by attractive orange berries.Cotoneaster franchetti (Franchet’s Cotoneaster) is a beautiful evergreen hedge plant with arching branches covered with small, oval leaves. A colourful and productive hedge, Cotoneaster Franchetti will develop attractive white flowers and bright orange berries, as well as its evergreen grey-green foliage.Cotoneaster horizontalis, commonly called rockspray cotoneaster, is a coarse, dense, slow-growing, semi-prostrate shrub that grows to 2-3′ tall and spreads over time to 6-8′ wide on stiff, flattened, horizontal branching that features branchlets arranged in fishbone patterns.Cotoneaster divaricatus, commonly called spreading cotoneaster, is an upright, rounded, densely branched, deciduous shrub that matures to 5-6′ tall and spreads to 6-8′ wide. It is particularly noted for its attractive form, glossy green leaves, dark red autumn fruit and autumn foliage colors.
How do you care for cotoneaster franchetii?
How to care for Cotoneaster franchetii: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. This Cotoneaster is tolerant of a range of soil types, including poor or chalky soils, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish. Cotoneaster is an evergreen shrub that tends to grow upright with long branches rather than as a bush. Its bright orange berries grow in clusters so thick that the branches cannot be seen. Cotoneaster is poisonous in large amounts and may cause trouble breathing, weakness and seizures.Are cotoneaster roots deep? Less mature cotoneaster plants have shallow but wide spreading root systems. Some have branches that grow low to the ground that can also form roots where they touch the soil, in a process called ‘layering’. Long established cotoneaster plants will have deeper, more extensive root systems.Spreading Cotoneaster is an upright, rounded, densely branched, deciduous shrub reaching 5-6 feet tall by 6-8 feet wide that is named for its spreading habit. It is easy to grow in well-drained soils. It grows best in loam based soils, however, will adapt to other soil types.
What are the benefits of growing cotoneaster?
About the Cotoneaster Makes an ideal hedge, is attractive in a rock garden or spilling over a rock wall, easily adaptable ground or sloping bank cover to reduce erosion, and their berries support songbirds. What’s the problem? Cotoneasters are non-native species which can quickly out compete native plants. Berries are fed upon by birds dispersing seeds over large areas. Forms an extensive root system which is difficult to remove.
Where is the best place to plant cotoneaster?
Choose the Right Location: Cotoneaster plants thrive in full sun to partial shade. The planting site should receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Though adaptable to various soil types, ensure the site has well-drained soil to prevent root rot. The most common problem with cotoneasters is mites. These pests suck plant juices causing the leaves to look speckled and in severe cases brown and fall off. These are a common problem during hot dry summers. Spray the plants with a strong blast of water to help control the mites.