Balsors Blackberry vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) - TreeTime.ca

Balsors Blackberry vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Rubus fruticosus Balsors

Cotoneaster lucidus

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Balsors Blackberry
Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

The Balsors Blackberry is a cold-hardy variety that produces very large, sweet and juicy blackberries late in the summer. They are great for baking and fresh eating.

Balsors Blackberry are floricanes, primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn’t require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

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.

Balsors Blackberry Quick Facts

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.29 - SAVE UP TO 45%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Berries: black
Fruit size: large
Firmness: soft
Flavor: sweet
Harvest: August
Flowers: small, pale pink
Bark: has thorns
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: none




Toxicity: may cause stomach upset
Other Names: balsors hardy blackberry, illinois blackberry
Other Names: hedge cotoneaster, shiny leaf cotoneaster