Shrub up to 3m high with a graceful shape of arching branches, evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves 3cm long, glossy grey-green above with white undersides, and clusters in early summer of 5-15 flowers which are white tinged outside with pink, followed by oblong orange-scarlet fruits; the flowers are attractive to bees

Scientists report that the bushy, hairy-leafed Cotoneaster franchetii is the latest ‘super plant’ to help boost the environment and improve human health because of its special ability to fight pollution by trapping harmful airborne particles.