About
Cotoneaster conspicuus is a compact, evergreen shrub characterized by its arching branches and tiny, dark green foliage. In the summer, it produces small white flowers that line the branches, which are succeeded by vibrant red berries that persist into the fall.
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
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- SE Tibet
- 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 or partial shade, with shelter from cold winds
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8 if necessary, in mid or late summer, back to the nearest fading flowers or berry cluster
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late 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