Cotoneaster franchetii aka Franchet's Cotoneaster

Taxonomy

Genus Cotoneaster Family Rosaceae Order Rosales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Cotoneaster franchetii, also known as Franchet's cotoneaster or orange cotoneaster, is an evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub native to southwestern China, including the provinces of Guizhou, Sichuan, Tibet, and Yunnan. It can also be found in northern Myanmar and northern Thailand. This shrub can grow up to 3 meters tall and has arching branches. The leaves are oval-acute, glossy green on the upper side, and pubescent below with dense whitish to yellowish hairs. In early summer, clusters of 5-15 white flowers, tinged with pink, are produced. These flowers attract bees. The plant then develops oblong orange-scarlet fruits, which are approximately 6-9 millimeters in diameter. These fruits are eaten by fruit-eating birds, who disperse the seeds in their droppings. Some authors recognize two varieties of Cotoneaster franchetii, but they are not considered distinct by the Flora of China. Another variety, var. sternianus, is sometimes treated as a separate species called Cotoneaster sternianus. The shrub is also known as gray cotoneaster or orange cotoneaster and can grow up to 10 feet tall with cane-like upright-arching branches. The elliptic to oval leaves are glossy gray-green on top and have a white felty pubescence beneath. In fall, some leaves may turn yellow with reddish streaks. The small pink and white flowers bloom in early summer, and the long-lasting red-orange berries ripen in September and October, with some remaining on the bush throughout the winter. It is important to note that the fruit is poisonous to humans, and the plant can be invasive in certain regions, such as California.

Common names

Franchet's Cotoneaster, Franchet Cotoneaster, Orange Cotoneaster

How to care for Franchet's Cotoneaster

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Franchet's Cotoneaster due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Franchet's Cotoneaster should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Franchet's Cotoneaster loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Franchet's Cotoneaster thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Orange Cotoneaster.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Franchet's Cotoneaster is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Franchet's Cotoneaster’s native range is E. Asia - W. China to Tibet.

More info:
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