Cotoneaster

(Cotoneaster species)

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 6 inches to 6 feet
Spread: 12 inches to 8 feet
Shape: Spreading

Leaves are small, round, and glossy green. Small, pink, spring flowers are followed by small, red or black fruit which cover branches in the fall.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 5 to 7
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.0

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include border, hedge, massing, specimen plant, and ground cover.

Planting Notes:

* Due to sparse root system, plant container grown plants or those that have balled and burlapped roots.
* Plant in rich, moist, well-drained soil if possible.
* Salt tolerant.

Care:

* Control may be needed in some years for lacebugs, mites, scale insects, and fire blight.
* Wood damaged by fire blight should be pruned and destroyed.

Problems:

* Fire blight can be severe in some areas.
* Susceptible to several insects, including lacebugs, mites, and scale insects.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Related species:

* COTONEASTER ADPRESSUS `Praecox' (Creeping Cotoneaster), shown, is a low ground cover 6 inches high. Small round green leaves turn red in fall and small red fruit persist into winter.
* COTONEASTER DIVARICATUS (Spreading Cotoneaster) is a deciduous shrub with arching, spreading branches. Red berries cover the branches during early fall (5 to 6 feet high; 6 to 8 feet wide).
* COTONEASTER HORIZONTALIS (Rock Cotoneaster) has low, flat, horizontal branches which create a unique effect. Excellent on a bank or trailing over or climbing up a wall (3 feet by 5 feet).

Comments:

* The Cotoneaster genus includes both deciduous and evergreen species.
* There is generally a species available to fit any need, from a low ground cover to an upright screen.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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