Cotoneaster franchetii is a very popular shrub for ornamental use in gardens. Native to China and Tibet, it is valued for its dark green foliage and the red berries that form in autumn.

Characteristics
Of the Rosaceae family, it reaches about 3 m, with an upright habit and a wide lateral spread thanks to its flexible, arching branches. The small semi-evergreen leaves are grey-green beneath, and white flushed pink flowers in spring are followed by the orange-red berries, which persist for much of the winter and are an important food source for birds.

Growing and care
It is not only decorative: it is also very resilient and adaptable to different soils and climates, in sun or partial shade, and tolerant of drought, wind and pruning. Prune in late winter, keeping the arching outline.

Uses
Informal and defensive hedges, screens, mixed borders, banks and wildlife gardens.