Peking Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster acutifolius
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Plant Profile & Growing Essentials
Cold hardy, Hedge/Screen, Fall Color/Interest, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Slopes/Erosion Control, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Attracts pollinators, Fast-growing, Fragrant, and Self-pollinating
Specifications
Specifications
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Botanical Name
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Height
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Width
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Growing Zones
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Sunlight
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Growth RateFast
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Flower Color
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Leaf Color
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Fall Color
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Pollinator Required
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Bloom PeriodLate Spring
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Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
If you are looking for a hardworking shrub that delivers privacy without sacrificing aesthetic appeal, the Peking Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster acutifolius) is a premier choice. Also known as the Quince-leaved Medlar or Rose Box, this upright deciduous shrub is celebrated for its dense, branching habit and its ability to withstand some of the toughest growing conditions in the northern United States.
A Symphony of Seasonal Color
The Peking Cotoneaster begins its yearly show in late spring, as small, five-petaled white flowers tinged with soft pink emerge among the foliage. While these blooms are delicate, they provide a vital nectar source for early-season pollinators. As summer progresses, the "dull green" leaves provide a thick, matte-textured backdrop that is perfect for screening out noisy neighbors or unsightly views.
The real magic happens as the temperatures drop. The foliage transforms into a breathtaking display of fiery oranges and deep, luminous reds. During this time, the elliptic black fruits mature, hanging onto the branches well into the winter to provide visual interest against the snow.
Texture and Movement in the Landscape
The Peking Cotoneaster features unique, pubescent (slightly fuzzy) twigs that add a layer of fine texture to the winter garden. Its rounded top and multi-stemmed growth pattern create a natural, informal elegance when left to grow freely. However, because of its dense leaf structure, it is a favorite for gardeners looking to create a "living wall." Whether you are planting a long boundary hedge or grouping them on a slope for erosion control, this shrub provides a sense of permanence and architectural strength to your property.
Rugged and Reliable
In addition to its beauty, the Cotoneaster acutifolius is a true survivor. It is notably tolerant of urban pollution, poor soil quality, and occasional dry spells. This makes it an excellent candidate for "difficult" spots in the yard where other, more finicky shrubs might struggle. It is a functional, beautiful, and low-maintenance workhorse for any Zone 4-7 landscape.
