Overview

Cotoneaster lucidus is a bushy shrubs in the genus Cotoneaster, part of the Rosaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Cotoneaster lucidus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and coastal.

About

Cotoneaster lucidus, the shiny cotoneaster, or hedge cotoneaster, is a deciduous, medium-sized shrub with long, spreading branches reaching heights (and breadths) of 6' to 10'. It is native to parts of northern Asia, and adapted to tolerate colder weather (to zone 4). C. lucidus was described in 1856 by Diederich Franz Leonhard von Schlechtendal. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and coastal. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Cotoneaster lucidus

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 4.0Cotoneaster

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cotoneaster

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Cotoneaster lucidus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cotoneaster lucidus

Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe in autumn, 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

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Cotoneaster lucidus?

Cotoneaster lucidus prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Cotoneaster lucidus need?

Cotoneaster lucidus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Cotoneaster lucidus hardy in the UK?

Cotoneaster lucidus 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 lucidus?

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe in autumn, or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.