About

Cotoneaster huahongdongensis is a sizable, semi-evergreen shrub that can reach approximately 3 meters in height. Its foliage consists of small, dark green, oval leaves that are pointed and exhibit a silvery hue on their undersides. In mid-summer, this plant produces clusters of short-stemmed white flowers, which are then succeeded by large orange berries that persist from mid-autumn through winter.

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
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native to
China (Yunnan)
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 or partial shade; tolerant of dry conditions once established
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or Pruning group 13 for wall-trained plants
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, honey fungus, leaf spot, silver leaf and virus diseases