About

Cotoneaster adpressus is a low-growing, deciduous shrub that forms a dense mat, reaching a spread of up to 2 meters. Its leaves are small, rounded, and have wavy margins, displaying a red hue in the fall. The plant produces small white flowers, which are succeeded by vivid red berries.

About the genus

Cotoneaster comprises either deciduous or evergreen shrubs and small trees. The foliage consists of simple, whole leaves, while spring and summer bring clusters of small white or pink blooms. These flowers are succeeded by prominent berries that may be red, purple, or black.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden
Native to
China (Sichuan, Yunnan)
Toxicity
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate from seed (tree/shrub) or by softwood cuttings (greenwood cuttings) in early summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to scale insects, woolly aphid and cotoneaster webber caterpillar
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus