Cotoneaster Franchetii or Franchets Cotoneaster

Franchets Cotoneaster is a semi-evergreen shrub with attractive orange berries in autumn. It’s native to China but is a staple plant for low maintenance gardens in the UK.
Cotoneaster Franchetii has erect, arching branches of semi-evergreen glossy leaves that measure three centimetres in length. The leaves are greeny-grey on top but white on the underside. The foliage grows quickly and clips well. In early June sprays of small pinky-white flowers appear in clusters of up to fifteen bee-friendly individual blooms. These small blooms mature into bright orange berries in autumn that are loved by the birds.

Cotoneaster Franchetii is a particularly tough shrub that can tolerate exposed sites and minimal care. It’s often seen on roundabouts or next to petrol stations due to its hardy nature, but this pretty shrub deserves a place in our gardens not least due to its low maintenance aspects and blazingly bright berries. 

Height And Spread of Cotoneaster Franchetii
Franchets Cotoneaster can reach a height of three metres and spread over three metres within ten years but can be kept smaller with yearly pruning. 

How Hardy Is Cotoneaster Franchetii
Franchets Cotoneaster is a tough shrub that can withstand windy exposed sites, pollution, and sub-zero temperatures. It is drought tolerant and rarely bothered by pests.

How To Use Cotoneaster Franchetii
Often chosen for low maintenance sites, Franchets Cotoneaster is perfect for exposed areas and gardens that get a lot of heat. 
You can use these tough shrubs as low maintenance hedging or privacy screens in urban or country gardens. They also suit a wildlife garden where the flowers attract plenty of bees and butterflies and birds enjoy the berries.  If you like bright berries and visiting birds, plant Franchets Cotoneaster in a container near a window.

How To Care For Cotoneaster Franchetii
Once established, hardy Franchets Cotoneaster needs very little attention. It will grow in the majority of soils that are well-drained and enjoys a sunny to partially shady spot. 
There is no need to prune Franchets Cotoneaster but if you are growing a hedge, prune it once a year in early spring before the flowering season to your required height. 
If you need to manage Cotoneaster cut out up to a third of the old wood in spring.  Water well until established and apply a thick layer of mulch in spring to provide nutrients and boost berry production.