Overview
Cotoneaster horizontalis is a shrub in the genus Cotoneaster, part of the Rosaceae family. Cotoneaster horizontalis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, rock garden and border. It is native to China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast and Taiwan.
About
Cotoneaster horizontalis, commonly known as Rock Cotoneaster, is a shrub in the rose family, Rosaceae. Native to regions of China and Taiwan, it thrives in well-drained soil with neutral to alkaline pH and prefers full sun to partial shade. This cultivar is hardy to UK zone H5 and is suitable for use as groundcover, in rock gardens, or borders. It is drought tolerant once established and benefits from pruning after flowering to maintain its shape and remove dead wood.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cotoneaster horizontalis
About the genus
Cotoneaster is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, native to the Palaearctic region, with a strong concentration of diversity in the genus in the mountains of southwestern China and the Himalayas. They are related to hawthorns (Crataegus), firethorns (Pyracantha), photinias (Photinia), and rowans (Sorbus).
Wikipedia contributors, "Cotoneaster", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cotoneaster
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cotoneaster
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Exposure
- sheltered, exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Cotoneaster horizontalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, rock garden, border
- Native to
- China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Taiwan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cotoneaster horizontalis
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cotoneaster horizontalis?
Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Cotoneaster horizontalis?
Cotoneaster horizontalis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Cotoneaster horizontalis need?
Cotoneaster horizontalis grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Cotoneaster horizontalis?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
Is Cotoneaster horizontalis hardy in the UK?
Cotoneaster horizontalis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Cotoneaster horizontalis?
Semi-ripe cuttings, seed.