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James H. Schutte
Rosaceae
COTONEASTER adpressus 'Little Gem'
Creeping Cotoneaster
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
Creeping cotoneaster is among the finest of woody groundcovers, with its small, uniform, dark green leaves and contrasting, autumnal red berries. This deciduous, sprawling and spreading low shrub hails from western China, and will be evergreen in mild winter regions. The rigid, irregular branches are filled with tiny flowers in early summer. Upon close inspection, the petals are white with rosy edges, or vice-versa. Red fruits develop thereafter, deepening to a slightly dark red at the time in fall when, in colder regions, the leaves change to reddish-purple. Bees pollinate the blossoms, and the fruits are a delicacy for many birds.
Grow creeping cotoneaster in any well-drained soil in full to partial sun. Ideally the soil should be moist, but this low shrub tolerates drier conditions and is a good plant even in very alkaline ground or seaside gardens. It is a superb groundcover for small patches or expansive sweeps. There are denser, more compact cultivars such as 'Little Gem' or 'Tom Thumb' that are great for edging as well as a groundcover.
7 - 1
5 - 7
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Shrub
Full Sun, Partial Sun
10"-12" / 25.4cm - 30.5cm
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
Early Summer
China
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Clay, Loam, Sand
Pollution, Drought, Salt
Slow
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Mat-forming
Summer, Fall, Winter
Insignificant
White, Pink
Yellow, Red, Purple, Orange, Pink, Black
Green
Yellow, Red, Green, Orange
Brown, Gray
No
Single
Yes
Fine
Smooth
Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
Birds
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