Peking Cotoneaster vs Grey Alder - TreeTime.ca

Peking Cotoneaster vs Grey Alder

Cotoneaster acutifolia

Alnus incana

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

(new stock expected: fall of 2027)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Peking Cotoneaster
Grey Alder

Peking Cotoneaster is a medium-sized shrub that is well adapted to colder climates. Best suited for use as a hedge, Peking Cotoneaster has dark green foliage that turns a stunning reddish orange in the fall.

Hardy fruit guru, Bernie Nikolai (DBG Fruit Growers), has started to recommend grafting hardy pear varieties to Peking Cotoneaster after his experiences were successful and produced fruit faster than other rootstocks. Remember to leave some nurse limbs if you try this.

River Alder is a large shrub or small tree with a multi-stemmed, spreading habit. It is an excellent tree to plant if you want to stabilize the soil near rivers and creeks.

Unlike the other alder varieties, River Alder is attractive enough to be included in riverside plantings by municipal and provincial park organizations.

Note: We use Grey Alder for Alnus incana. This species is also known by many other common names, including River Alder, Speckled Alder, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

Peking Cotoneaster Quick Facts

Grey Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: glossy upper surface
Fall colour: reddish-orange
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: white, spring
Fruit: small catkins
Berries: black fruit
Cones: small brown cones
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes

In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: hoary alder, river alder, speckled alder