About
Cotoneaster aurantiacus is a small, deciduous shrub reaching approximately 2 meters in height. Its branches are arching and spread outward, adorned with glossy, oval-shaped dark green leaves that transition to hues of orange, red, and bronze as autumn approaches. In early summer, tiny dark red flowers emerge individually or in pairs along the branches, giving way to light orange fruit that ripens in mid to late autumn.
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
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- China (Sichuan)
- 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 full sun; tolerant of dry conditions once established
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate from seed (tree/shrub) or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to brown scale, cotoneaster webber caterpillar and aphids including woolly aphid
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus