About
Cotoneaster adpressus 'Little Gem' is a compact, sprawling deciduous shrub, reaching a height of approximately 30cm. It features trailing branches adorned with small, dark green leaves measuring up to 1cm in length, which transform to a vibrant scarlet hue in the fall. During the summer, it produces small white flowers with a hint of red, 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
- Spreading branched, Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- 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 by softwood cuttings (greenwood cuttings) in early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, scale insects and cotoneaster webber caterpillar
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fire blight and honey fungus