James Burghardt
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
COTONEASTER microphyllus var. cochleatus
Plant Common Name
Dwarf Creeping Cotoneaster, Littleleaf Cotoneaster
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
This is a spreading low maintenance shrub for the landscape. Littleleaf cotoneaster is an evergreen native to the Himalayas, northern India and China. It has a low-growing habit with dense interlacing branches. Its primary branches trail, spread horizontally and root as they touch the soil. The secondary branches are arching and arc above the other branches giving the plant a softer appearance.
In spring, littleleaf cotoneaster produces tiny single rose-like flowers of pale-pink. These appear among the small dense dark green leaves. Masses of brilliant red berries appear in fall and last through winter. The bright fruits appeal to hungry birds and garden admirers alike.
Grow this Cotoneaster in full to partial sun and average to fertile well-drained sandy loam. Once established, it will tolerate dry conditions. Littleleaf cotoneaster withstands pruning, even bonsai, but looks best if its natural habit is encouraged and it's not sheared.
Plant this evergreen in a large space where it can spread. It may be planted for erosion control or in a low maintenance sunny garden or foundation planting. Several selections exist, such as the miniature 'Cooperi' and 'Emerald Spray' and the favorite variety for bonsai thymifolius, which has super small leaves.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
A3, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m (2)
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Width
5'-6' / 1.5m - 1.8m (6)
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
India, Nepal, China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Thicket/Colonizing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Red, Dark Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
