About
Cotoneaster splendens is a rounded, deciduous shrub that typically reaches a height of around 2 meters. It features small, rounded leaves that are mid-green to greyish-green, transitioning to red during the autumn months. In early summer, the plant produces clusters of white flowers that are tinged with pink and have rose-pink edges. These blooms are succeeded by bright orange, rounded fruit.
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
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- China (Sichuan)
- 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
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings (greenwood cuttings) in early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, scale insects and cotoneaster webber caterpillar
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fire blight and honey fungus