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Description
Cotoneaster Franchetii is a deciduous shrub that is native to China. It is a member of the Rosaceae family and is also known as Franchet’s Cotoneaster. This shrub grows up to six feet tall and wide, forming a dense, rounded shape. Cotoneaster Franchetii is known for its small, glossy leaves that turn red in the fall. It also produces clusters of pinkish-white flowers in the spring that are followed by bright red berries in the fall. These berries are a favorite of birds and other wildlife.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Cotoneaster |
Appearance
Cotoneaster Franchetii has small, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are about an inch long. The leaves are dark green in color and turn a reddish-purple in the fall. This shrub also produces clusters of small pinkish-white flowers in the spring that are followed by bright red berries in the fall. The berries are about a quarter of an inch in diameter and are a favorite of birds and other wildlife. Cotoneaster Franchetii grows up to six feet tall and wide, forming a dense, rounded shape.
Care Guide
Cotoneaster Franchetii is a relatively low-maintenance shrub that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your Cotoneaster Franchetii healthy:
- Water: Cotoneaster Franchetii prefers well-draining soil and likes to be kept evenly moist. Water deeply once a week during the growing season.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: Cotoneaster Franchetii prefers well-draining soil and will not tolerate wet feet.
- Sunlight: Cotoneaster Franchetii prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Cotoneaster Franchetii is hardy in USDA zones 6-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cotoneaster Franchetii is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fire blight, a bacterial disease that causes leaves and branches to wilt and turn black. To prevent fire blight, make sure to prune your Cotoneaster Franchetii in the fall or winter when the shrub is dormant.
Habitat
Cotoneaster Franchetii is native to China and is commonly grown as an ornamental shrub in gardens and parks. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Cotoneaster Franchetii is hardy in USDA zones 6-8.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Cotoneaster Franchetii?
A: Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and make sure the soil is well-draining.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cotoneaster Franchetii?
A: Cotoneaster Franchetii is hardy in USDA zones 6-8.
Q: What is the best time to prune my Cotoneaster Franchetii?
A: Prune your Cotoneaster Franchetii in the fall or winter when the shrub is dormant to prevent fire blight.
Q: What is fire blight?
A: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that causes leaves and branches to wilt and turn black. It can be prevented by pruning your Cotoneaster Franchetii in the fall or winter when the shrub is dormant.
Related Plants
- Cotoneaster Apiculatus
- Cotoneaster Dammeri
- Cotoneaster Horizontalis
- Cotoneaster Salicifolius
References
- University of Minnesota Extension. (n.d.). Cotoneaster. Retrieved from https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/cotoneaster
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Cotoneaster Franchetii. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=263839&isprofile=0&
- RHS. (n.d.). Cotoneaster Franchetii. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/11480/Cotoneaster-Franchetii/Details
