Cotoneaster franchetii aka Franchet's Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster franchetii is a shrub in the rose family. Its names include gray cotoneaster and Franchet's cotoneaster. It comes from southwestern China, Myanmar, and northern Thailand. Its range also reaches southeastern Tibet. In the wild, it grows on open mountain slopes. It also forms thickets in sunny, rocky sites. Most plants keep their leaves through winter. Near USDA zone 6, they may lose them all.

Garden plants often stand 6–10 feet [1.8–3.05 metres] tall. Oregon State describes a spread close to the height. Missouri Botanical Garden lists a spread of 8 feet [2.44 metres]. RHS gives both dimensions up to 13 feet [4 metres]. Long, upright stems bend into arches as they grow. The oval leaves have deep veins and a glossy gray-green top. Fine white hairs cover their undersides, giving them a silver look. Leaves can reach about 1.5 inches long. Some turn yellow with red streaks in fall.

Small flowers grow in groups of five to fifteen. Each has five petals, white with a pink tint. Bees visit the blooms. Sources place flowering from spring into early summer, with Missouri listing July. The fruit is oblong and orange-red to scarlet. It grows in clusters and stays on the branches. Both the flowers and fruit add interest to gardens. The thick foliage also gives this shrub value as a screen.

Grow it in sun or part shade with good drainage. It suits sand, loam, chalk, and clay soils. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Moist, fairly fertile loam suits it, but it tolerates dry, poor, rocky ground. Avoid wet soil that drains poorly. Missouri lists USDA zones 6–9; RHS rates it H6. Plants may take 10–20 years to reach full size. They need little pruning, though they tolerate hedge trimming. Uses include hedges, small groups, and woodland garden edges. The fruit can yield a rose-tan dye.

Fireblight, honey fungus, leaf spots, and canker can affect it. Pests include aphids, scale insects, webbing caterpillars, lacebugs, and mites. Dense growth can trap dead leaves and litter. Plants have escaped gardens in California, Oregon, and Washington. Avoid planting where spread could cause harm. PFAF reports mild-tasting fruit with a mealy texture and many seeds. RHS warns that people and pets should not eat it. Treat the fruit as ornamental rather than food.