Which Cotoneaster do you need?
Cotoneaster franchetii HedgeFranchet's CotoneasterCotoneaster franchetii copes with salt spray and wind, grows into a graceful informal hedge and is cheapest bought bare root.Colourful FoliageMedium 20-40cm per yearBare RootPot Grown- SALECotoneaster lacteus HedgeLate CotoneasterCotoneaster lacteus keeps its dark, leathery leaves all year, flowers in summer and holds its red berries well into winter.Colourful FoliageMedium 20-40cm per yearPot Grown
- Cotoneaster dammeri HedgeBearberry CotoneasterCotoneaster dammeri spreads flat along the ground, smothering weeds and covering banks with evergreen leaves and red berries.EvergreenSlow 10-20cm per yearPot Grown
Franchetii or Lacteus?
| Compare | Cotoneaster franchetii | Cotoneaster lacteus |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | Small, grey-green, semi-evergreen | Larger, dark green, evergreen |
| Look | Arching and informal | Dense and upright |
| Berries | Orange-red in autumn | Red, lasting into winter |
| Coastal | Excellent | Good |
| Formats | Bare root and pot grown | Pot grown |
| Best for | Seaside, windy and wildlife hedges | A neater evergreen screen |
Gwynne's Grower's Tip
Cotoneaster is one of the most forgiving hedges we grow. It copes with poor, dry soil, wind and salt where Laurel or Beech would struggle, and it is very good value: bare-root franchetii works out at about £13 a metre, delivered from November.
If you want a tidy evergreen screen, choose lacteus. If you are on the coast or want a looser, wildlife-friendly hedge, franchetii is the better plant. Keep pruning light and after flowering, or you will cut off the berries.
Cotoneaster buying questions
01Is Cotoneaster evergreen?
Cotoneaster lacteus and Cotoneaster dammeri are evergreen. Cotoneaster franchetii is semi-evergreen: it keeps most of its leaves in a mild winter but loses some in cold or exposed spots.
02How many Cotoneaster plants do I need per metre?
For franchetii, plant 40–60cm bare-root plants at 6 per metre and 60–90cm at 5 per metre; pot-grown plants go in at 3–4 per metre. Lacteus goes in at 3–4 per metre. The exact figure is shown against each size on the product pages.
03Is Cotoneaster invasive?
A few Cotoneaster species are listed as invasive in England and Wales and must not be planted in the wild. Franchetii, lacteus and dammeri are not on that list, but birds spread the seeds, so keep them in gardens and hedges rather than next to wild or protected areas.
Growing Advice for Cotoneaster Hedge Plants
What is Cotoneaster?
Cotoneaster is a genus of woody shrubs native to various regions in Asia, Europe, and North Africa. These plants are part of the Rosaceae family, which includes other well-known species such as roses and apples. The name “Cotoneaster” is derived from the Latin words ‘cotoneum,’ meaning quince, and ‘-aster,’ denoting resemblance, highlighting the similarity of cotoneaster fruits to those of the quince. With over 300 species within this genus, cotoneasters vary greatly in size, leaf type, flower color, and berry color, offering a wide range of options for gardeners. The versatility of cotoneaster plants makes them a favoured choice for different landscaping needs, whether it’s for ground cover, hedges, or even as standalone ornamental features in a garden. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, these plants are prized for their durability and ability to thrive in less than ideal conditions, including poor soil and drought. Cotoneasters also serve an important ecological role by providing food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects, further enhancing their value in a sustainable garden setting. |  |
Cotoneaster Growth Rates
Understanding the growth rates of different cotoneaster varieties is crucial for garden planning and maintenance. Generally, cotoneasters are considered to be moderate to fast growers. The rate at which they grow can be influenced by several factors including soil quality, water availability, and exposure to sunlight. For instance:
- Cotoneaster dammeri, known for its ground-covering ability, can spread rapidly under optimal conditions, with some varieties capable of spreading several feet in a single growing season.
- Cotoneaster franchetii tends to grow at a moderate pace, establishing itself quickly but not as aggressively as some of its counterparts, making it ideal for hedging that doesn’t require frequent trimming.
- Cotoneaster lacteus, on the other hand, is a more robust variety that can achieve significant height and spread, making it suitable for creating dense screens or large hedges.
When selecting a cotoneaster plant, it’s important to consider the space available and the desired speed of growth. For smaller gardens or those looking for quick coverage, fast-growing species like franchetti or lacteus may be preferred.
However, for gardeners seeking more controlled growth or with limited space, slower growing varieties like cotoneaster dammeri might be more appropriate.
Regular pruning can also influence the growth rate and shape of cotoneaster hedges, allowing gardeners to customize the appearance of their outdoor spaces to their liking.