Franchet Cotoneaster

cotoneaster franchetii

Also known as: ["Franchet’s Cotoneaster","Orange Cotoneaster"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Cotoneaster Category: Shrubs

Overview

A deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with arching branches, small, glossy leaves, and clusters of orange-red berries in autumn.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Cotoneaster
Botanical Name: Cotoneaster franchetii

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden, hedge, or border in temperate climates
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if grown indoors in very dry conditions
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter; suitable for rock gardens or borders.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; adjust placement based on light intensity.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 5–8; tolerates temperatures between -20°F and 80°F; prefers cool winters and moderate summers.

Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; water before and after feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).

Medium

Peat and perlite mix or cactus mix with added sand.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for better success.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–4 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic wrap, misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy parent plants; maintain humidity; avoid direct sunlight.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts to open the plant; heading cuts to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased wood.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh soil with good drainage; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots; add fresh soil; water gently.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing leaf wetness.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure organic matter is well-mixed.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; stunted growth in temperature extremes.

Cold Stress

Leaves may turn brown or drop; branches can die back if temperatures drop below hardiness range.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in winter.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering in extreme heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check soil nutrients; apply fertilizer; water thoroughly; monitor for signs of over-fertilization.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid fertilizing in late autumn or winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Cotoneaster franchetii may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Cotoneaster franchetii can result from water stress, root damage, or pest infestations, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Cotoneaster franchetii may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to defoliation, reduced photosynthesis, and weakened plant structure.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Cotoneaster franchetii due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and potential plant mortality.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cotoneaster franchetii berries are toxic to cats, containing cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide poisoning. This disrupts the cat's cellular respiration, leading to oxygen deprivation and systemic toxicity.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea difficulty breathing lethargy tremors seizures collapse
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

If a cat ingests berries, seek veterinary care immediately. Keep the plant out of reach of pets.
Dogs
Toxic

The berries of Cotoneaster franchetii are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, which affects the dog's ability to transport oxygen, resulting in severe physiological distress.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy difficulty breathing tremors seizures collapse
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

If a dog ingests berries, contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting without professional guidance.
Humans
Toxic

Cotoneaster franchetii berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion, leading to poisoning. The toxic effects are primarily due to the disruption of cellular respiration, causing oxygen deprivation at the cellular level.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain diarrhea dizziness weakness difficulty breathing convulsions loss of consciousness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep berries away from children and pets. If ingestion occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Cotoneaster franchetii toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: Does Cotoneaster franchetii attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and berries.

Q: How much maintenance does Cotoneaster franchetii require?

A: It requires moderate maintenance, including occasional pruning and monitoring for pests or diseases.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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