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

Thunderchild Flowering Crab vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Malus x adstringens Thunderchild

Cotoneaster lucidus

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Thunderchild Flowering Crab
Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

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.

The Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge 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 Shiny 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 Quick Facts

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, 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: dark purple leaves
Foliage: shiny
Fall colour: dark red
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Flowers: dark pink blossoms
Flowers: small, pale pink
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