About

This evergreen shrub reaches a height of approximately 4 meters. It features elongated, narrow leaves that are glossy and dark green, marked by prominent veins and a soft yellow underside. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of creamy-white flowers, which give way to abundant hanging clusters of small orange-red berries by early 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
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Native to
SW China
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; tolerant of dry conditions once established
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate from seed (tree/shrub), or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to scale insects, cotoneaster webber caterpillar and aphids including woolly aphid
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, leaf spot, silver leaf and virus diseases