Thunderchild Flowering Crab vs Hedge Cotoneaster (Shiny Cotoneaster) - TreeTime.ca

Thunderchild Flowering Crab vs Hedge Cotoneaster (Shiny Cotoneaster)

Cotoneaster lucidus

Malus x adstringens Thunderchild

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(new stock expected: fall of 2027)

Hedge Cotoneaster (Shiny Cotoneaster)
Thunderchild Flowering Crab

The Hedge Cotoneaster (Shiny Cotoneaster) is a dense, deciduous shrub that gets its name from the glossy dark green leaves that turn an eye-catching mix of red and purple in the fall.
It produces small, pink flowers in spring and by late summer they are followed by red berries that ripen to black. This plant is great for attracting wildlife as it is loved by both birds and butterflies.

While the Hedge Cotoneaster does produce berries, they are inedible to humans. This plant takes pruning and shearing well, making it easy to shape to your liking and is a great choice for a hedge or privacy screen in your yard.

Thunderchild Flowering Crab is a hybrid crab apple known for its attractive and fragrant dark pink blossoms and deep purple mature leaves.

Tree farmers will find this hybrid appealing as a pollinator for other apples, while home growers will enjoy the red pome's ability to attract flocks of Cedar Waxwings in the early spring.

This species is reportedly resistant to fireblight.

Hedge Cotoneaster (Shiny Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Thunderchild Flowering Crab Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $16.99 - SAVE UP TO 32%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: may cause stomach upset

Foliage: shiny
Foliage: dark purple leaves
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Fall colour: dark red
Flowers: small, pale pink
Flowers: dark pink blossoms
Fruit: small red pomes that hang through the winter
Berries: small red pomes that hang through the winter
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: hedge cotoneaster, shiny leaf cotoneaster