Peking Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster acutifolius

Nature Hills Nursery

Reliable performance and extreme cold hardiness in USDA growing zones 4 through 7.
Matures to a substantial 6-10 feet tall and wide, making it an ideal choice for living privacy screens.
Offers four-season interest with spring blooms, black winter berries, and brilliant orange-red autumn foliage.
A "tough-as-nails" selection that thrives in urban environments and tolerates drought and poor soils once established.

$67⁹³

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Plant Size

#2 Container

Product variants

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 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 Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

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.

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Growing Zones 4-7

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Peking Cotoneaster survive in zone 4, especially at high elevations or in microclimates?

Peking Cotoneaster is exceptionally cold hardy and thrives in northern climates, making it well-suited for zone 4 conditions. Its reputation as a "true survivor" that withstands tough growing conditions extends to harsh winter climates and challenging microclimates. Plant in a protected spot during extreme cold snaps for best results.

How wide does Peking Cotoneaster get, and is it good for hedges or privacy screens?

Peking Cotoneaster typically reaches 4-6 feet wide with its dense, multi-stemmed growth habit. Its thick foliage creates an excellent "living wall" for privacy screening and boundary hedges. Plant them in a row for continuous coverage, available at naturehills.com.

What are the planting zone requirements and cold hardiness for Peking Cotoneaster in winter?

Peking Cotoneaster thrives in USDA zones 4-7 and handles harsh northern winters exceptionally well. This hardy shrub tolerates urban pollution, poor soils, and dry spells while maintaining its structural integrity through freezing temperatures. Plant in fall for best establishment before winter.

Does Peking Cotoneaster grow well in full sun, partial shade, or shade under trees?

Peking Cotoneaster thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This tough shrub tolerates a wide range of light levels, though it produces the best flowering display and most vibrant fall color in full sun locations. Plant in areas with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal performance.

What soil type and drainage does Peking Cotoneaster need to avoid root rot?

Peking Cotoneaster thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates poor soil quality better than most shrubs. This hardy plant rarely suffers from root rot due to its excellent adaptability. Avoid constantly wet or waterlogged areas for best results.

How often should I water Peking Cotoneaster, especially after planting or in dry periods?

Water newly planted Peking Cotoneaster deeply twice weekly for the first month, then weekly until established. This drought-tolerant shrub handles occasional dry spells once mature. Check soil moisture 2 inches deep and water when dry.

What are the fertilizing requirements for Peking Cotoneaster, like type and timing?

Peking Cotoneaster thrives in poor soils and rarely needs fertilizing once established. If desired, apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Focus on mulching and proper watering instead of heavy feeding for best results.

What is the shipping process for Peking Cotoneaster, and does it arrive healthy "right out of the box"?

Peking Cotoneaster ships as a healthy, dormant plant that's ready to establish quickly in your garden. This rugged shrub handles shipping stress well due to its exceptional tolerance for tough conditions. Plant immediately upon arrival and water thoroughly to help it settle into its new location.