About
Cotoneaster apiculatus is a low-growing, spreading deciduous shrub that typically reaches heights of 45 to 60 cm. It features small, flat dark green leaves that change to red in the autumn. During the summer, the plant produces small white flowers with a hint of red, which are succeeded by vibrant 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
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- SW China
- 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 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 fireblight and honey fungus