Peking Cotoneaster
cotoneaster acutifolius
Also known as: ["Peking Cotoneaster","Sharp-leaved Cotoneaster"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub with small, sharp-pointed leaves and clusters of white flowers followed by red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Cotoneaster |
| Botanical Name: | Cotoneaster acutifolius |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various landscapes
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid heavy clay soils without amendments.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old wood to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade but may produce fewer berries.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a container plant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; place near east or south-facing windows.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch with organic matter to retain moisture; avoid compacting soil around roots; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7; tolerates temperatures between -30°F and 80°F; prefers cool winters for dormancy.
Protect from late spring frosts; ensure good air circulation in hot weather; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly after pruning; avoid feeding in late summer to prevent new growth vulnerable to frost; water before and after fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pots after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to shape; remove crossing or crowded branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage airflow, and remove dead or diseased wood; also prune to manage berry production.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker branches, pruning saw for large stems.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before bud break; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds or branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim rootbound roots; replace with fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot container-grown plants every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; field-grown plants rarely need repotting.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 7–10 days during growing season; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; delayed bud break or leaf drop in insufficiently cold winters.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; branches can become brittle; reduced flowering or fruiting in subsequent seasons.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; avoid planting in low-lying frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced vigor and berry production.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before and after; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of berries.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCotoneaster acutifolius berries are toxic to cats, containing cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide poisoning. This can severely impact the cat's respiratory and nervous systems, leading to life-threatening conditions such as hypoxia and metabolic acidosis.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe berries of Cotoneaster acutifolius are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, affecting the dog's respiratory and nervous systems. The toxic effects can result in severe metabolic disturbances and organ damage.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCotoneaster acutifolius berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion, leading to toxic effects on the central nervous system and respiratory function. The physiological impact includes inhibition of cellular respiration, potentially causing hypoxia and metabolic acidosis.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cotoneaster acutifolius toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and berries.
Q: How much maintenance does it require?
A: It has moderate maintenance needs, requiring occasional pruning and care for fungal issues.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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