About

This evergreen shrub reaches a height of up to 2 meters and features arching branches adorned with elliptic green leaves, which have a white felt-like texture on their undersides. In summer, it produces small pink flowers that give way to a profusion of orange-scarlet berries in the fall.

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, Sand, Loam
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
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1-1.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, 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 any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Pruning
Pruning group 8 or Pruning group 13 if wall trained
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to scale insects, cotoneaster webber caterpillar, aphids including woolly aphid
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus