Mark A. Miller
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
COTONEASTER
Plant Common Name
Cotoneaster
General Description
This Old World genus comprises approximately 80 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and small trees, several of which are popular garden subjects. Prostrate and trailing forms of Cotoneaster horizontalis, C. dammeri, C. apiculatus, and C. salicifolius are familiar and widely used groundcovers. Taller cotoneasters (such as C. multiflorus) are less common in landscapes, but are occasionally planted for their attractive flowers and foliage and showy fruit.
These hardy woody plants bear small (or occasionally larger), rounded, leathery leaves that alternate along trailing to erect, straight to zigzag stems. Leaf color ranges from deep- to gray-green, with deciduous cotoneasters often turning brilliant hues in fall. Small, solitary or clustered, unscented or faintly malodorous flowers open in late spring or summer in shades of white or pink. They are a favorite of bees. Spherical, berry-like fruits follow the flowers, ripening to red, black, orange, or yellow in late summer, sometimes to spectacular effect. The "berries" of some cotoneasters persist until late winter or early spring before being harvested by birds and other wildlife.
Most cotoneasters are adaptable, doing well in full to partial sun and moist, well-drained to heavy soil. Many tolerate seaside conditions. Prostrate cotoneasters are perfect for massing on slopes and walls, where their cascading growth and eye-catching fruit can show to best effect. Their interweaving branches trap blowing leaves and other debris, giving them a somewhat deserved reputation as "trashcan plants." Larger cotoneasters make good candidates for shrub borders and hedges. All cotoneasters (particularly large-leaved species such as C. salicifolius) are susceptible to fireblight. In some regions, cotoneaster species have escaped gardens to become troublesome weeds (check with government conservation agencies for lists of exotic weeds of local concern).
Characteristics
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Europe, Northern Africa, Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Pink
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Red, Purple, Orange, Pink, Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Red, Green, Orange
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Bark Color
Brown, 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
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Foundation, Groundcover, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
