Cotoneaster franchetii Seeds | Franchet’s Cotoneaster
LATIN NAME: Cotoneaster franchetii
COMMON NAME: Franchet’s Cotoneaster
Plant Profile
Franchet’s Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster franchetii) grows as an evergreen shrub in the rose family, native to warm hills of south-western China. In good conditions it grows to around Three metres. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. Add these qualities together and you have a species well worth a place in the garden.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the rose family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Franchets cotoneaster has a real and distinguished place in the research. In practice, its long garden history means the grower inherits a plant of known and dependable habits.
Uses & Benefits
Franchet’s Cotoneaster brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Ecologically, Franchets cotoneaster is a generous shrub of the garden. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
Cotoneasters are workhorse ornamentals and bird-feeders; their bright berries feed winter wildlife, and the genus is grown for structure, not for medicine.
Growing from Seed
Franchet’s Cotoneaster grows readily from seed. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in bright light until the seedlings are well up. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
It comes from warm hills of south-western china, which is the best clue to the conditions it enjoys in cultivation. Reaching three metres, it needs room to show its full form. Attention to moisture in the first weeks pays off; later, the plant is forgiving.
Related Reading
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