About
Cotoneaster salicifolius 'Gnom' is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that reaches approximately 30 centimeters in height. It creates a broad ground cover with its glossy, lance-shaped dark green foliage. In early summer, it produces small white flowers, which are later succeeded by vibrant 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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- 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, with shelter from cold winds
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-hardwood 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 and honey fungus