COTONEASTER FRANCHETII
A semi-evergreen shrub with a graceful, arching habit. In early winter the branches are laden with scarlet-red fruits, until the blackbirds move in for a feast. The foliage is small and greyish-green in colour, with a pale, downy underside, giving this cotoneaster a lighter effect than some of its relatives. Elsewhere in the gardens, we have the larger C. lacteus, its decorative fruits borne in large, drooping clusters. Planted as specimen shrubs, rather than as a hedge, they're only pruned occasionally, in early spring, to retain the shape and size. Unfussy and tolerant of exposed sites.
Height and spread 2.5-4m × 2.5-4m.
Origin Southwest China.
Conditions Most soils; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness RHS H6, USDA 6a-9b†.
Autumn to winter for berries.
