Cotoneaster frigidus
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Cotoneaster frigidus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, midges. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Shrubberies and riversides, especially in Nepal, 2200 - 3400 metres from Uttar Pradesh to S.W. China. River valleys, broad-leaved deciduous forests on slopes, 2800 - 3300 metres in Tibet.
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The fruits are eaten to replenish the blood in cases of deficiency.
Blood tonic: Is this any different to a blood purifier?
Other
Rating: 3
A rose-tan dye is obtained from the fruit. The branches are used in basketry and for making twig bridges in the Himalayas. Can be grown as an informal hedge.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Hedge: Hedge
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, it prefers a good soil but also does well in poor soils. It thrives in lime and is also happy in peaty soils. It succeeds in any soil that is not marshy or waterlogged. Succeeds in dry soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade but does not fruit so freely in a shady position. Plants also succeed in quite deep shade. Tolerates atmospheric pollution. A fast-growing plant. The flowers, when inhaled near to, have an unpleasant smell like decaying fish. They are very attractive to bees whilst the fruit is a good winter food source for many species of birds. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus, especially those species in the 'Salicifolia' group of this genus. Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed. Members of this genus hybridize freely so, if you require seed that breeds true, it is important to obtain it from a known wild source or from a controlled fertilization of garden plants. The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame, when it will usually germinate in the spring. Stored seed germinates faster if given 3 months warm stratification at 15°c and then 3 months cold stratification at 4°c. The seed usually germinates within 1 - 18 months at 15°c but it can take 2 years. Pot the seedlings up as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into nursery beds or into their permanent positions when they are more than 10cm tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist