About
Cotoneaster cornifolius is a sizable, multi-stemmed shrub that maintains a semi-evergreen status. It features upright branches adorned with glossy, oval leaves that are mid-green and exhibit sunken veins, transitioning to red hues in the fall. In late spring to early summer, it produces small, pinkish-red flowers, which give way to glossy, dark red berries in 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
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- 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
- 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 by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe in autumn, 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, honey fungus, leaf spot, silver leaf and virus diseases