Orange cotoneaster
Cotoneaster franchetii · Rosaceae
📷 A. Barra · CC BY 3.0
⚠️ Baies contiennent cyanoglucosides toxiques pour chiens et chats par ingestion ; troubles digestifs modérés.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around orange cotoneaster and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- May to June, white-pink flowers
- Mature size
- Approximately 1.8 m tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- China (Yunnan mountains)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates poor soils
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Franchet's Cotoneaster tolerates established drought well: it's a very self-sufficient shrub. Low maintenance, just light pruning in late winter if branches get too spreading.
The common mistake
Over-watering or over-fertilizing: you might think you're boosting fruit production, but excess water/fertilizer actually reduces fruiting.
The pro's trick
Plant it in the dry areas of your garden (banks, rocky beds): that's where it really shines and fruits best.
Seasonal watch
Dry autumn: fruits can mummify on the bush.
Care
Watering
Franchet's cotoneaster is very water-efficient once established. Water regularly during the first year to encourage rooting, then gradually reduce watering. In normal conditions, natural rainfall is sufficient; only water during prolonged dry spells.
Exposure
Plant in full sun for abundant flowering and optimal fruit production. Full sun also enhances the berry color in autumn. However, it tolerates light partial shade, though with slightly less spectacular results.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering (July-August) to maintain a compact, well-balanced shape. Avoid severe pruning as this would compromise fruiting. Removing dead or diseased branches is usually sufficient in other years.
Soil and planting
Franchet's cotoneaster prefers well-drained soil and fears waterlogging. Enrich the planting soil with potting soil or compost, but this is a hardy plant that adapts to moderate soils. Ensure adequate drainage in damp areas.
Fertilizing
This frugal shrub only needs moderate annual feeding. Spread well-rotted compost or gentle fertilizer in spring (April-May). An established plant in good soil often doesn't need it, unless showing signs of weakness.
Diseases and pests
Franchet's cotoneaster is very robust and rarely affected by diseases. Watch for excessive moisture that could promote damping off or mildew. Pests remain rare and generally inconsequential. Good air circulation prevents most problems.
Did you know?
Franchet's cotoneaster is named after French botanist Armand David, who discovered it in China in the nineteenth century. Its small orange berries persist long on the branches and provide precious food for birds in autumn and winter, making it an excellent ally for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.