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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Cotoneaster franchetii

Franchet's Cotoneaster

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Regular; low at maturity

Bloom time

Spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)