About
This evergreen shrub or small multi-stemmed tree typically reaches a height of around 8 meters. It features slender, arching branches adorned with lanceolate, dark green leaves that measure up to 8 cm in length. The foliage is textured with prominent veins and exhibits a smooth, glossy surface on the upper side, while the underside is covered in a white, woolly coating. In summer, clusters of small white flowers appear, which are subsequently replaced by diminutive reddish-crimson 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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 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, Wildlife gardens
- 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 Pruning group 13 for wall training
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-ripe 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