Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) vs Emerald Cedar - TreeTime.ca

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) vs Emerald Cedar

Cotoneaster lucidus

Thuja occidentalis Smaragd

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)
Emerald Cedar

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.

Emerald Cedar makes a great addition to landscapes, and is often used to form tight hedges or privacy screens. The thick scale-like foliage adds texture and colour to yards and is commonly used to line driveways. Unlike other cedars it retains its green colour throughout the fall and winter.

It is a semi dwarf species, which generally needs little pruning, but if desired it responds well to trimming. Its attractive, columnar shape and dense foliage makes it a desired landscape feature.

The Emerald Cedar won the award of merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Emerald Cedar Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: may cause stomach upset

Foliage: shiny
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Flowers: small, pale pink
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: hedge cotoneaster, shiny leaf cotoneaster
Other Names: smaragd arborvitae, thuja occidentalis emeraude