Peking Cotoneaster

Overview & Description

The Peking Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster acutifolius) is a versatile, upright deciduous shrub known for its multi-season interest. It features small, dull green leaves (1-2.5 inches long) that transform into attractive shades of orange, red, and yellow in autumn. In late spring (May-June), small, pale pink to white flowers appear in clusters, offering delicate charm and attracting pollinators. These are followed by 3/8-inch black berries (pomes) that ripen in fall and persist into winter, providing ornamental interest and food for birds. The shrub has slender, tan bark with a distinctive fishbone pattern on stems.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits an upright, spreading, multi-stemmed growth habit with a rounded top. It typically reaches a mature size of 6 to 10 feet in height with a spread of 4 to 10 feet. It has a medium growth rate and can live for approximately 30 years.

Additional Notes

It blooms from May to June. Exceptionally hardy to Zone 2, it is drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and adaptable to a wide range of soils once established, thriving in full sun to partial shade. It is low-maintenance and tolerates pruning well, making it ideal for hedges, screens, windbreaks, borders, or mass plantings.