| The Peking Cotoneaster (which is not pronounced "cotton - easter") has many of the attributes of it's smaller, possibly more well-known relatives such as the Cranberry or Rockspray. The Peking flowers in mid to late spring, with dark pink buds that open to small pinkish-white blooms. The foliage is glossy, but not nearly as much as other varieties, and does not have the very fine 'fuzz' or hair on the leaves. Foliage changes to attractive red hues in Fall. It produces persistent fruit in the fall. This plant will grow taller than it will wide, and as such can serve as a screen or hedge, but it will take time to fill in, as it tends to be a slower grower. I've also found it to be a favorite among rabbits, devouring them down to mere stumps during the more harsh winters. |
