Alberta Wild Rose (Prickly Rose) vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) - TreeTime.ca

Alberta Wild Rose (Prickly Rose) vs Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Cotoneaster lucidus

Rosa acicularis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster)
Alberta Wild Rose (Prickly Rose)

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.

Alberta's provincial flower, Alberta Wild Rose, is a small, deciduous shrub known for its beautiful pink blooms and thick, thorny stems.

Native to Canada, this hardy perennial is an attractive addition to any garden. Wildlife enjoy its edible rosehips, which inclined growers can use in jams, jellies, and rose hip tea.

Shiny Cotoneaster (Hedge Cotoneaster) Quick Facts

Alberta Wild Rose (Prickly Rose) Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: may cause stomach upset

Foliage: shiny
Fall colour: mix of yellow scarlet, red, purple
Fall colour: bright red
Flowers: small, pale pink
Flowers: pink,blooms between May and June. Flowers are both male and female
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, YT, NT, NU
Other Names: hedge cotoneaster, shiny leaf cotoneaster
Other Names: arctic rose, bristly rose, prickly wild rose