Cotoneaster species (Cotoneaster)

A very diverse group of plants ranging from low groundcovers to tall fountain-like shrubs, so make sure you get the proper variety to suit your needs. Best performance comes when planted in well-drained soils kept on the dry side, with once to twice-a-week watering. Tiny white flowers in spring are followed by red or black berries in fall. Not bothered by rabbits, squirrels nor deer.

  • C. acutifolius (Peking Cotoneaster) — 10 ft. tall by 10 ft. wide; black berries; orange-red fall color
  • C. apiculatus (Cranberry Cotoneaster) — 3 ft. tall by 6 ft. wide; red berries in August; red fall color; slopes, groundcover or hedge
  • C. congestus — 3 ft. tall by 3 ft. wide; red berries; evergreen
  • C. divaricatus (Spreading Cotoneaster) — 6 ft. tall by 6 ft. wide; red berries; red fall color; hedge, screen or slopes
  • C. horizontalis (Rockspray Cotoneaster) — 3 ft. tall by 15 ft. wide; red berries; orange-red fall color; slopes, groundcover
  • C. ‘Lowfast’ — 1 ft. tall by 15 ft. wide; red berries; groundcover, bank, fast filler; evergreen
  • C. microphyllus — evergreen; 3 ft. tall by 6 ft. wide; red berries; dry slopes
  • C. multiflorus — 10 ft. tall by 8 ft. wide; has showy flower, red fruit
  • C. salcifolius (Willowleaf Cotoneaster) — 15 ft. tall by 15 ft. wide; red fruit; evergreen
Category:  Shrubs
Water Use:  Moderate
Sun Exposure:  Part Shade
Height x Spread:  1-15 ft. x 3-15 ft.
Native:  No
Color:  White
Bees:  Yes
Birds:  Yes
Butterflies:  No
Cut Flower:  No
Utility Tree:  No
Extra Maintenance:  No
Soil:  N/A
Fall Color:  Yes
Bloom Time:  Spring