About
Cotoneaster sternianus is a robust shrub that can reach heights of approximately 3 meters and is either evergreen or semi-evergreen. Its leaves are small, measuring up to 6 cm in length, featuring a glossy sage-green surface and a white-felted underside. During the summer, the plant produces upright clusters of small pinkish flowers, which are succeeded by clusters of relatively large, vibrant orange-red berries. These berries are produced in abundance, adding visual interest to the plant.
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
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen, Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Burma, China (NW Yunnan)
- 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 or pruning group 13 for wall-trained specimens
- Propagation
- Propagate from seed (tree/shrub) or 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