Cotoneaster frigidus aka Tree Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster frigidus is a large shrub or small tree. It belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae, and sheds its leaves. Common names include tree cotoneaster and mountain cotoneaster. Its native range covers Himalayan parts of India, Nepal and Bhutan. It also reaches Tibet in southwest China. Wild plants grow beside rivers, among shrubs and in hillside forests. These habitats lie at high elevations in the mountains.

Young plants grow upright, then spread as they age. The RHS gives a garden height of 26–39 feet [8–12 metres]. Its shorter account describes plants reaching about 33 feet [10 metres]. The crown can spread beyond 26 feet [8 metres]. Plants take around 10–20 years to reach full size. The oval leaves have a dull green surface. They reach about 6 inches long, with sunken veins. Their edges have slight waves. This broad, branching plant needs room for its mature crown.

Large groups of white flowers appear during summer. Bright red fruits follow, forming bunches that last through autumn into winter. The fruit gives the plant interest after its leaves fall. The RHS lists it for wildlife gardens and informal planting. It also suits coastal gardens, screens and hedges. PFAF records its use as an informal hedge. Woodland edges and places with dappled shade offer other planting settings.

Grow it in soil that drains well and has moderate fertility. The RHS cultivation guidance recommends full sun or partial shade. It accepts chalk, clay, loam and sand. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils all suit it. Once established, it can cope with dry conditions. The RHS rates its hardiness as H6. PFAF lists USDA zones 6–9. Growers can raise plants from seed. Semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer offer another route. Possible pests include brown scale and cotoneaster webber caterpillars. Aphids, including woolly aphids, may also attack it. Fireblight and honey fungus are possible diseases.

PFAF records several uses beyond garden planting. The fruit yields a pinkish tan dye. People use the branches for baskets and Himalayan twig bridges. PFAF lists no food use, though it records a traditional medicinal use. That account describes eating fruit as a blood tonic. It does not establish that this practice is safe. The RHS warns that people and pets must not eat the fruit. Treat the berries as ornamental, not as food. The RHS also advises gloves and protective gear when handling the plant.