About
Cotoneaster lacteus is a compact, evergreen shrub that typically reaches a height of around 4 meters. Its arching branches are adorned with substantial, oval, leathery leaves that can grow up to 6 centimeters long, featuring a white, hairy underside. After blooming with clusters of small white flowers, this plant produces clusters of small red berries that persist into the winter months. It is well-suited for use in hedges.
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
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- China (Yunnan, Sichuan)
- 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 well-drained, dry situations in full sun or partial shade
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8 or Pruning group 13 if wall trained
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects, cotoneaster webber caterpillar and aphids including woolly aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus