
How much sun does Cotoneaster need?
They need full sun or partial shade, and thrive in fertile soils but tolerate any soil as long as it is well-drained. Most types of cotoneaster are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 7 or 8.
Is Cotoneaster a spreading plant?
Spreading Cotoneasters tolerate partial shade and thrive in moist, acidic soil. Hardy in zones 5-8. The Willowleaf Cotoneaster, Cotoneaster salicifoliusis an evergreen, spreading shrub with an arching growth habit.
Can Cotoneaster be used as a hedge?
Use it as a hedge or a tall foundation plant. Hedge cotoneaster- Hedge cotoneaster ( C. lucidus) and many-flowered cotoneaster ( C. multiflorus) are excellent choices for screening hedges. They grow 10 to 12 feet (3-4 m.) tall.
What does Cotoneaster look like?
Cotoneasters have a wide spread three times or more their height, glossy leaves, and red or black fall and winter berries. Growing cotoneaster is a snap, as most species shrug off adverse conditions like drought, strong winds, salt spray, infertile soil, and variable pH. Cotoneaster has many uses in the garden, depending on the species.

Will cotoneaster tolerate shade?
Cotoneasters take 5 to 10 years to mature. Fruits are nutritious food for garden birds and winter migrants. Mostly these grow best and flower and fruit more freely in the sun. They will tolerate partial shade, but shoots are looser, and berries are sparse.
Where is the best place to plant a cotoneaster?
full sunCotoneasters thrive in moist but well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. The best time to plant a cotoneaster is in autumn, when the soil is still warm from summer but moist enough for the roots to establish before winter sets in.
How big does a cotoneaster get?
Its mature height is 5 to 7 feet and is slightly taller than broad. Its slender canes grow up and out with a spread of 4 to 6 feet. Cotoneaster grows slowly at first, but after a couple years develops at about 12 to 18 inches per year. Cotoneaster is appreciated more for its dark green foliage than its blossoms.
Does cotoneaster lose its leaves in winter?
Fall color is a strong red. Deciduous to semi-evergreen, dropping most of its leaves in winter.
Are cotoneaster roots invasive?
Eradication Cotoneaster species can be difficult to eradicate because they are often invasive in areas where there are complex plant associations, making it difficult to eradicate only the target plants and not those nearby, combined with the fact that they have tough roots, making them difficult to dig up.
How quickly does cotoneaster grow?
around 20-40cm per yearCotoneaster simonsii will be at its best at heights between 1-1. 5m and grows at around 20-40cm per year.
Do cotoneasters spread?
This cotoneaster can withstand heavy pruning and works well as a hedge, though many gardeners choose to leave it untrimmed because of its unique spreading habit. This, paired with its attractive, bright red berries, make the plant a good choice for a specimen shrub in the landscape.
Can cotoneaster be cut back hard?
Some shrubs, like cotoneaster or elder (Sambucus) can even be cut to near ground level and they will sprout right back. Others may need somewhat less harsh treatment, but unless it's an evergreen, you can usually cut away quite a bit.
Is cotoneaster a good plant?
With its sprawling, low-growing habit, cotoneaster makes an excellent groundcover. Some varieties of this versatile shrub have upright growth habits. No matter which variety you choose, cotoneaster boasts rich, deep-green foliage with colorful berries that last from fall through winter.
Why is my cotoneaster turning brown?
There are two species of moths with caterpillars that can cause defoliation of Cotoneaster horizontalis and some other plants. The affected parts of the plant are covered in silk webbing produced by the caterpillars and the leaves turn brown as they are grazed.
What goes well with cotoneaster?
Cotoneaster franchetii works well in an evergreen mixed planting or as a free-standing transitional shrub. You can use it to lighten heavy evergreens, such as laurels and mahonias, or you can use it to create a backdrop to shrub roses and perennials.
Is cotoneaster a tree or shrub?
Initially upright, these vigorous shrubs often have arching stems and can be tree-like in outline once mature. Creamy-white late spring flowers are usually followed by red-orange or yellow berries.
Do cotoneasters spread?
This cotoneaster can withstand heavy pruning and works well as a hedge, though many gardeners choose to leave it untrimmed because of its unique spreading habit. This, paired with its attractive, bright red berries, make the plant a good choice for a specimen shrub in the landscape.
What goes well with cotoneaster?
Cotoneaster franchetii works well in an evergreen mixed planting or as a free-standing transitional shrub. You can use it to lighten heavy evergreens, such as laurels and mahonias, or you can use it to create a backdrop to shrub roses and perennials.
Are cotoneaster trees fast growing?
This vigorous semi evergreen plant is normally grown as a large shrub, but here at Deepdale we also have Cotoneaster cornubia available as a standard tree. With a mature height of 6-8m, the branches are upright when young but are fast growing so soon become arching and graceful.
Is cotoneaster poisonous to dogs?
Dogs and cats often remain well following ingestion of Cotoneaster berries, but gastrointestinal signs may occur. There is a potential for cyanogenic glycoside toxicity if a large quantity has been ingested, but severe Cotoneaster poisoning is rare and more likely to occur in herbivores.
What do cotoneasters have in common?
Cotoneasters have a wide spread three times or more their height, glossy leaves, and red or black fall and winter berries.
What is the color of cotoneaster in fall?
The fall foliage is bronzy purple. Spreading cotoneaster- Spreading cotoneaster ( C. divaricatus) forms a 5 to 7 foot (1.5-2 m.) shrub with lovely yellow and red fall colors that lasts a month or more.
How tall does a cranberry cotoneaster grow?
Pink summer blossoms are followed by small, red berries in fall. In addition, the fall foliage turns a bronzy shade of red. The shrubs grow 2 to 3 feet ( 61-91 cm.) tall with a spread of up to 6 feet (2 m.).
What is a cotoneaster?
Cotoneaster has many uses in the garden, depending on the species. Here is a list of common types of cotoneaster: 1 Cranberry cotoneaster- Cranberry cotoneaster ( C. apiculatus) makes a good groundcover for erosion control, especially on slopes. Pink summer blossoms are followed by small, red berries in fall. In addition, the fall foliage turns a bronzy shade of red. The shrubs grow 2 to 3 feet (61-91 cm.) tall with a spread of up to 6 feet (2 m.). 2 Bearberry – Bearberry ( C. dammeri) is another low-growing variety that makes a good groundcover. Small, white flowers bloom in spring, followed by red fruit in late summer. The fall foliage is bronzy purple. 3 Spreading cotoneaster- Spreading cotoneaster ( C. divaricatus) forms a 5 to 7 foot (1.5-2 m.) shrub with lovely yellow and red fall colors that lasts a month or more. Red berries that last into mid-autumn follow the white summer flowers. Use it as a hedge or a tall foundation plant. 4 Hedge cotoneaster- Hedge cotoneaster ( C. lucidus) and many-flowered cotoneaster ( C. multiflorus) are excellent choices for screening hedges. They grow 10 to 12 feet (3-4 m.) tall. Hedge cotoneaster can be sheared as a formal hedge, but many-flowered cotoneaster develops a naturally rounded shape that is best left alone.
How tall does a cotoneaster hedge grow?
lucidus) and many-flowered cotoneaster ( C. multiflorus) are excellent choices for screening hedges. They grow 10 to 12 feet (3-4 m.) tall.
Do cotoneasters need fertilizer?
Cotoneaster shrubs only need watering during prolonged dry spells and do fine without regular fertilization, but shrubs that don’t seem to be growing may benefit from a light dose of complete fertilizer. It’s a good idea to apply a thick layer of mulch around groundcover types soon after planting to suppress weeds.
What are cotoneaster shrubs?
Cotoneaster species play a big part in the well-being of the environment. They are often used as food by several Lepidoptera larvae, such as winter moth, grey dagger, hawthorn moth, short-cloaked moth, and mottled umber. Their mesmerizing flowers are very attractive to butterflies and bees.
How big are cotoneaster plants?
Cotoneaster plants bear fruits that can resist, on some species, until the following year. They are small pomes of 0.2 to 0.5 inches (5-12 mm) in diameter and tinged orange, bright red, pink, or maroon to black when ripe.
What is the most common type of cotoneaster?
The most common species of Cotoneaster are C. dammeri (Bearberry), C. apiculatus (Cran berry Cotoneaster), C. divaricatus (Spreading Cotoneaster), and C. lucidus (Hedge Cotoneaster). However, one species goes beyond the basic ...
What is the name of the plant with pink flowers and red berries?
However, one species goes beyond the basic appearance specific to this genus: Cotoneaster horizontalis . This plant mesmerizes gardeners with its shiny foliage, pink to white flowers, and masses of bright red berries, features that gave it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
How tall is a prostate tree?
The prostate species are usually alpine plants that occur at high elevations of 9.800-13.100 feet (3.000-4000 m), while the larger ones grow in woodland gaps and scrubs at lower elevations. The species from the Cotoneaster genus are shrubs or small trees that can reach between 1.6 and 16.4 feet (0.5-5 m) in height.
How many flowers does a cotoneaster plant have?
During their blooming period, from late spring to early summer, Cotoneaster plants exhibit solitary or corymb inflorescences of up to 100 flowers. They have five petals that can be half or fully open. Their blooms are very small and come in various shades of white to creamy white, light to dark pink, and even reddish.
Where are cotoneasters native to?
These species are native to several Palaearctic regions of north Africa, Europe, and temperate Asia. They have a strong concentration of diversity and can be found growing in the Himalayas and ...
What is a cotoneaster shrub?
Cotoneaster amoenus. Beautiful cotoneaster is a densely branched evergreen shrub, with arching stems and a low-growing habit. Its small, dark green leaves are covered in fine hairs when young, giving them a silvery sheen. White summer flowers are followed by red berries that last well into winter.
Where is cotoneaster native to?
White summer flowers are followed by red berries that last well into winter. Native to south-east China, it’s hardy in all but the coldest British winters. Best grown on its own as a shrub.
What is the largest cotoneaster?
Cotoneaster frigidus ‘Cornubia’ is one of the largest cotoneasters available, often forming an enormous bushy shrub but it can also be trained into a standard tree. It bears masses of dense clusters of white flowers in summer, followed by large, vivid red berries in autumn and throughout winter.
What is the name of the cotoneaster that bears pointed leaves?
Cotoneaster rhytidophyllus. Cotoneasters to grow – Cotoneaster rhytidophyllus. Cotoneaster rhytidophyllus is an evergreen cotoneaster, bearing long, pointed leaves with downy felting underneath, on arching stems. In late-spring to summer it bears clusters of white flowers, followed in autumn by orange fruit that ages to red.
Can Cotoneaster horizontalis be grown in full sun?
It grows well in shade, although it flowers and fruits much better in full sun.
Is Cotoneaster low maintenance?
Cotoneaster is fairly low maintenance. Water well in its first year.
Can cotoneasters be fatal?
Cotoneasters are relatively trouble free, but they can be susceptible to the fungal disease fire blight. Sadly, there’s nothing you can do in this situation as it tends to be fatal. Aphids and other insect pests are rarely a problem and provide a good source of food for birds.
Why is Cotoneaster so distinctive?
Cotoneaster has a distinct appearance mainly because of the red berries.
What is a cotoneaster bush?
Cotoneaster can be used as a complimentary bush to fences and borders, pathing, hedges, foundations, wall linings, or for plant coverage in the garden. They can help add shade to keep the garden cooler and also prevent erosion on sloped surfaces.
Why is cotoneaster considered an invisible species?
Some strains of cotoneaster have been considered to be an invisible species all over the globe because of their easy propagation and hardiness. It grows on its own.
How many different types of cotoneaster are there?
There are well over 250 different types of cotoneaster plant varieties and everything in between.
Can you grow cotoneaster from cuttings?
Cotoneaster can be grown from cuttings and it’s a lot faster than planting from seed. Yes, you can grow and propagate cotoneaster from cuttings. It’s preferred over starting from seed because seeds take forever with a low germination rate.
Can you use cotoneaster as a hedge?
The plant is a short and bushy shrub that can be used as a small hedge or barrier plant requiring very low maintenance due to its hardy nature. You really don’t need to do much to keep cotoneaster thriving.
Is cotoneaster a perennial?
Cotoneaster is a perennial shrub and looks very similar to holly berry or hawthorns.
What color are cotoneaster leaves?
Their glossy, 1" leaves are very dark green and turn orange and red in the fall. The pinkish white flowers that appear in late spring and summer form bright red, ½" egg-shaped fruit in the fall. Spreading Cotoneasters tolerate partial shade and thrive in moist, acidic soil. Hardy in zones 5-8.
How tall does a creeping cotoneaster grow?
Creeping Cotoneasters, Cotoneaster adpressus are deciduous, mounding plants that only grow 12"-18" tall, but will spread up to 6 feet. The shiny green leaves have wavy margins and turn to a maroon red in the fall. Produces a profusion of bright red, ½" fruit in the fall.
How tall does Cotoneaster Procumbens grow?
The Queen of Carpets, Cotoneaster procumbens is a flat growing, ground hugging, evergreen ground cover plant that only grows 4"-6" tall but spreads up to 6 feet. It has small, round, dark blue-green foliage and white flowers in early summer. USDA zones 6-8.
What is the biggest propagator of cotoneasters?
Birds are by far the biggest propagator of Cotoneasters as they spread the seeds of the berries they've eaten. When the berries become soft and mushy, the birds will no longer eat them and they eventually fall to the ground where they germinate. These seedlings can be transplanted very easily up until they have grown a foot tall.
How many different types of cotoneasters are there?
There are about 200 different species of Cotoneaster. Most grow best in full sun, but several species will thrive in partial shade as well. They prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil, but are adaptable to almost any type of soil from sandy to clay, as long as it is not remain too wet.
What is a cotoneaster?
Cotoneaster is an extremely diverse genus of attractive landscape plants that include creeping ground covers, dwarf sized bushes and tall sprawling shrubs. These deer resistant plants typically have small, pink or white flowers that resemble tiny, opening rose buds and attract Hummingbirds and Bees in the spring and early summer.
How to propagate low growing plants?
Low growing species can be propagated by simple layering in the fall. Pin a low growing stem to the ground, using a piece of stiff wire bent into a U, leaving the last 6 to 12 inches of the stem exposed. Cover the pinned area with soil, then bend the tip sharply into a vertical position (for upright plants) and nick the bark on the underside of the bend. Provide a stake to hold it in place. Once the layer is well rooted, it can be severed from the parent and moved to another part of the garden.
