About

Cotoneaster procumbens 'Queen of Carpets' is a low-growing evergreen shrub, reaching heights of up to 30 cm and spreading approximately 1.5 m across. It features small, glossy green foliage with a lighter hue on the underside. During the summer months, it produces white flowers accented by purplish anthers, which are succeeded by rounded fruits that transition from dark pink to red as they mature in mid to late autumn.

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

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Matforming, Trailing

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Rock garden, 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 full sun or partial shade in any soil that is well-drained. An excellent plant for groundcover

Pruning

Pruning group 8 - usually no pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to scale insects, cotoneaster webber caterpillar, aphids including woolly aphid

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, leaf spot, silver leaf, and virus diseases