About
Cotoneaster amoenus is a compact shrub, reaching heights of up to 1.5 meters, with a dense branching structure. Its small, glossy green leaves are accompanied by a woolly gray underside. In early summer, it produces white flowers that feature pinkish-purple anthers. These blooms give way to clusters of vivid red berries that develop at the tips of short twigs.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- China (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 moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; tolerant of dry conditions
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8 or Pruning group 13 for wall-trained plants
- Propagation
- Propagate from seed (tree/shrub) or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to woolly aphids, scale insects and cotoneaster webber caterpillar
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus