Tower Poplar vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) - TreeTime.ca

Tower Poplar vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Populus x canescens Tower

Cotoneaster lucidus

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Tower Poplar
Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Tower Poplar is a fast growing, tall columnar tree that closely resembles the Swedish aspen. It produces no fluff, requires minimal maintenance and no pruning. It can tolerate drought and thrives in poor soils. Tower Poplar is most commonly planted in shelterbelts or to line driveways and property lines as a privacy hedge.

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.

Tower Poplar Quick Facts

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: may cause stomach upset
Foliage: shiny
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Flowers: small, pale pink
Hybrid: yes
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: hedge cotoneaster, shiny leaf cotoneaster