About
Cotoneaster tardiflorus is a substantial evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 5 meters. It features sprawling, arching branches adorned with silvery-green, oval-shaped foliage. In late summer, the plant produces an abundance of white flowers, which give way to clusters of red berries that dangle from the branches. These fruits mature in late autumn and can persist well into the spring season.
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
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- China (Sichuan, 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 moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; tolerant of dry conditions once established
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8
- 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