Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Cotoneaster franchetii
Franchet's Cotoneaster
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height
- 6 to 10 feet
- Width
- 6 to 10 feet
- Flower color
- White to pink
- Foliage color
- Green-gray above, silver-gray beneath
- Bloom time
- Spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Regular; low at maturity
- Maintenance
- Low; responds well to pruning but often best left unpruned for natural shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 6 to 10
- Wildlife
- Birds (attracted to the berries), bees
About this plant
Cotoneaster franchetii, or Franchet's Cotoneaster, is a semi-evergreen shrub known for its graceful arching branches and dual-season interest. Native to western China and Tibet, it thrives in a variety of settings and is valued for its adaptability and decorative appeal. During late spring to early summer, the plant produces clusters of small, fragrant white-pink flowers, which are attractive to bees. These flowers give way to vibrant red-orange berries in autumn and winter, offering visual interest and a food source for birds.
The foliage of Cotoneaster franchetii is typically semi-evergreen, with small, pointed, ovate leaves. The upper side of the leaves is matte green, while the undersides are a silvery white, adding a subtle contrast. This shrub is widely used for informal hedging, wildlife-friendly gardens, or as a standalone specimen due to its dense, bushy growth habit. Its resilience and ability to thrive in diverse conditions make it a reliable choice for many landscapes.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Hedging & Privacy · Slopes & Banks · Wildlife Gardens
Companion plants
Barberry · Butterfly bush · Feverfew · False sunflower · Chives · Snow-in-summer
Design tip
Arching branches display the red-orange berries particularly well when the shrub is allowed to retain its natural shape. The silvery leaf undersides add another dimension as branches move in the breeze, making this a good choice where both foliage texture and seasonal fruit can be appreciated.
