Many varieties of cotoneaster show off spectacular colors in the fall.
Cotoneaster, with its small, deep-green leaves, makes an attractive backdrop for many other plants.
The cotoneaster genus comprises more than 70 species, most of them native to China.
Credit: Denny Schrock
In spring, cotoneaster is covered in small 5-petal blossoms in shades of white and pink.
Most varieties bear red berries, although some types bear golden yellow berries.
Many varieties of deciduous cotoneaster also exhibitspectacular fall colorsin glowing shades of orange, red, and purple.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Where to Plant Cotoneaster
Opt for a site with well-draining soil.
Full sun also promotes the best showing of fall color.
The plant does not tolerate transplanting well so check that to select a permanent location.
Dig a hole at least twice the diameter of the nursery pot and just as deep.
Place the plant in the center and backfill with original soil.
When planted as a groundcover, cotoneaster should be planted 3 to 5 feet apart.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
For a hedge, plant 6 feet apart to allow for the plant’s natural spread.
Light
For the best berries and the most vivid fall colors, plant cotoneaster in full sun.
It will also grow in partial shade.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Soil and Water
Plant cotoneaster in average, well-drained soil that’s amended with compost.
Avoid soggy soil, as it brings on root rot.
The plant will adapt to any soilpH in the range of 5.0-7.5.
Water slowly and deeply during prolonged dry periods.
Cotoneaster is considered deciduous in Zones 4-6 and evergreen in Zones 7-8.
Fertilizer
Other than compost, cotoneaster doesn’t need fertilizer.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Pruning
Prune cotoneaster for aesthetic reasons if it begins to look unruly or is spreading too much.
It’s easier to remove dead branches in late fall or early spring before new growth starts.
Also keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering than plants in the landscape.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Repot the plant when the roots have filled the container.
Pests and Problems
Cotoneaster is prone to fireblight, leaf spot, and canker.
How to Propagate Cotoneaster
To propagate cotoneaster,take stem cuttingsin the summer.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Choose side shoots and cut beneath the leaf node.
Strip the lower leaves off the stem and plant in a gripping plant medium.
Cover the stem with a clear plastic bag or dome.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
Site it in a bright location but out of direct sunlight.
When new shoots begin to appear, remove the plastic.
Continue to grow the cutting indoors until spring, then transplant it outdoors.
Credit: Laurie Black
Types of Cotoneaster
Low-growing, spreading varieties of cotoneaster work well as woody groundcovers.
Such plants typically feature stems that arch, cascade, and even grow horizontally.
When these stems touch the ground, they often root.
This characteristic helps cotoneaster form dense colonies that choke out weeds.
Less common upright types of cotoneaster feature all the same characteristics but can betrained as hedges.
Many of these species are evergreen or semi-evergreen in warmer climates, creating long-lasting attractive screens.
White flowers turn into red berries.
A popular cultivar is ‘Coral Beauty’.
White flowers turn to red berries in the fall and persist into the winter.
Small pink blooms give way to dark red, almost black, berries in fall.
Zones 3-7
Cotoneaster procumbens
This popular sprawling cotoneaster (Cotoneaster procumbens) has a low growth habit.
The dark green foliage shows tinges of purple when young.
It haswhite flowersin summer.
It grows 3 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
‘Tom Thumb’ is a popular cultivar.
It grows 1 foot tall and 6 feet wide.
There are many different spirea varieties to choose from.
The berries hold well into the winter, serving as food for birds.
Zone 5-10
Frequently Asked Questions
Cotoneaster prospers in full sun.
Otherwise, partial shade is also acceptable.
Cotoneaster is considered invasive in coastal areas of California.
The seeds from the berries are dispersed by birds.
The plant forms thick carpets that choke out native vegetation.
While these shrubs are considered deer-resistant, birds will love eating these berries.
The flowers will also attract bees and butterflies to your garden.
These plants typically live for 10-20 years.
