About
Cotoneaster salicifolius is a robust evergreen shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. It features arching branches adorned with lanceolate, dark green leaves that can reach lengths of up to 10 centimeters. During the summer, it produces clusters of white flowers that are flat-topped, which are then succeeded by abundant, nearly round, glossy red berries.
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
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- SW China, Tibet
- 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 or part shade; protect from cold dry winds in colder or northern areas
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8 if necessary, in mid or late summer, back to the nearest fading flowers or berry cluster Pruning group 13 for wall training
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids including woolly aphid, scale insects and cotoneaster webber caterpillar
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus