About

Cotoneaster insculptus is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub that typically reaches a height of around 3 meters. Its leaves are glossy, dark green, oval-shaped, and feature distinctive incised veins, transitioning to shades of gold and bronze as autumn approaches. In mid-summer, this plant produces numerous small clusters of pink flowers, which are later succeeded by red-orange berries that persist from mid-autumn through the winter months.

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, Spreading branched

Foliage

Deciduous, 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

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 if wall-trained

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