About

Cotoneaster thimphuensis is a deciduous shrub that can reach a height of approximately 4 meters. Its branches tend to arch gracefully, and it features large, thin, glossy, oval leaves that are dark green and offer notable autumn coloration. In mid-summer, small clusters of short-stemmed, reddish flowers appear, leading to the development of glossy, yellow fruits with an orange tint that persist into autumn.

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
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Bhutan
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; tolerant of dry conditions once established
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate from seed (tree/shrub), or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to scale insects, cotoneaster webber moth caterpillars and aphids including woolly aphid
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, leaf spot, silver leaf and virus diseases