Cotoneaster with its small, deep-green leaves makes an attractive backdrop for many other plants. This perennial, low-growing shrub makes an excellent groundcover that blends into the background or softens the edges of a planting area. The cotoneaster genus comprises more than 70 species, most of them native to China. 

In spring, cotoneaster is covered in small 5-petal blossoms in shades of white and pink. As these flowers begin to fade, a heavy display of berries takes their place; sometimes, the whole plant is covered with them. Most varieties bear red berries, although some types bear golden yellow berries. Hardy in Zones 4-8, the berries usually last well into winter as long as birds don't eat them.

Many varieties of deciduous cotoneaster also exhibit spectacular fall colors in glowing shades of orange, red, and purple.

Where to Plant Cotoneaster

Opt for a site with well-draining soil. When planted in full sun, cotoneaster develops the densest branching, deepest green foliage, and largest amount of flowers and berries. Full sun also promotes the best showing of fall color. While this plant won't be at its best when planted in part shade, it will still manage to flower and bear fruit.

How and When to Plant Cotoneaster

Plant cotoneaster in the fall when the soil is still warm from summer. The plant does not tolerate transplanting well so make sure 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. Water well after planting and until the shrub is established. Add mulch to prevent weeds since weeding will be challenging once the plant has started covering the surrounding soil. 

When planted as a groundcover, cotoneaster should be planted 3 to 5 feet apart. For a hedge, plant 6 feet apart to allow for the plant's natural spread.

Cotoneaster Care Tips

Cotoneaster is a tough shrub that stands up to harsh conditions including drought, inhospitable slopes, salt spray, and chilling high winds.

Light

For the best berry grown and the most vivid fall colors. plant cotoneaster in full sun. It will also grow in partial shade.

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 soil pH in the range of 5.0 to 7.5.

Water slowly and deeply during prolonged dry periods.

Temperature and Humidity

The hardiness of cotoneaster varies with the species; some are hardy in Zone 4 while others are only hardy in Zone 5 or 6. The upper end of the Zone range for most varieties is Zone 8 but some varieties tolerate hot summer weather better than others so pick a variety that suits your local climate.

Cotoneaster is considered deciduous in Zones 4-6 and evergreen in Zones 7-8.

Fertilizer

Other than compost, cotoneaster doesn't need fertilizer.

Pruning

Prune cotoneaster for aesthetic reasons if it begins to look unruly or is spreading too much. It will plant roots wherever branches touch the ground, so periodically check for new rooting branches to keep its spread manageable. Be sure to trim branches at the base and not the tip to ensure a consistent look of your shrub.

It's easier to remove dead branches in late fall or early spring before new growth starts.

Potting and Repotting Cotoneaster

To plant cotoneaster in a container, choose one that's large enough to accommodate its growth habits. Depending on which type you choose, your plant will either grow horizontally as ground cover or vertically as a climber. When you grow cotoneaster in a pot, it will produce fewer flowers and trademark berries than when planted in the ground. Also keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering than plants in the landscape.

Repot the plant when the roots have filled the container.

Although cotoneaster is winter-hardy, potted plants need winterization in areas with cold winters, as the roots are insufficiently insulated against the cold. Place the pot in a larger container and fill it with sand or mulch to create a planting silo or move it to a sheltered location such as an unheated garage or shed.

Pests and Problems

Cotoneaster is prone to fireblight, leaf spot, and canker. Remove any branches with signs of fireblight or leaf spot to protect the plant from further infection, and spray with a fungicide for leaf spot. Root rot can occur with too much watering.

Potential destructive pests include cotoneaster webworms, sap feeders, leaf feeders, and borers.

How to Propagate Cotoneaster

To propagate cotoneaster, take stem cuttings in the summer. 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. 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.

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 be trained as hedges. Many of these species are evergreen or semi-evergreen in warmer climates, creating long-lasting attractive screens.

Bearberry Cotoneaster

Bearberry cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri) is a low-growing, spreading variety that makes a great groundcover. White flowers turn into red berries. A popular cultivar is 'Coral Beauty'. Zone 5-8

Spreading Cotoneaster

Spreading cotoneaster (Cotoneaster divaricatus) is an upright form of cotoneaster that works well as a hedge. White flowers turn to red berries in the fall and persist into the winter. Zone 4-7

Hedge Cotoneaster

Hedge cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lucidus) is a shrub variety that tolerates shaping, making it an excellent hedge. 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-growing growth habit. There are many cultivars, including 'Queen of Carpets', 'Little Dipper', and 'Streib's Findling''. The dark green foliage shows tinges of purple when young. It has white flowers in summer. Zones 5-8

Rockspray Cotoneaster

Rockspray cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) offers a straight-as-an-arrow branch pattern, pink flowers, and purplish fall color. It grows 3 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Zones 5-7

Cranberry Cotoneaster

Cranberry cotoneaster (Cotoneaster apiculatus) forms shrubby, 3-foot-tall mounds of dense, dark green foliage, with long-lasting red berries in fall and winter. 'Tom Thumb' is a popular cultivar. Zone 4-7

Creeping Cotoneaster

Creeping cotoneaster (Cotoneaster adpressus) features large, showy fruit and a mounding habit, making it a favorite of gardeners. It grows 1 foot tall and 6 feet wide. Zone 4-6

Companion Plants for Cotoneaster

Lilac

Lilac is a tall-growing shrub and its scent adds a nice touch to a garden. The shrubs ome in a variety of shapes and sizes, including dwarf and midsize shrubs and small trees with showy bark. Consider planting multiple types of lilacs with a range of bloom times and colors to enjoy several weeks of attractive flowers and fragrances. Zone 2-8

Spirea

The colorful foliage of the spirea and its height make it a good complement to cotoneaster groundcover. There are many different spirea varieties to choose from. Japanese spirea (Spirea japonica) is the most popular species, ranging from 2 to 10 feet in width depending on the variety. For one with unusual foliage, consider 'Goldflame' with orange-gold tinted new growth that softens to light green in summer, Zone 5-9

Beautyberry

American beautyberry has pretty white flowers but the eye-catching seasonal feature of this native shrub are the bright purple berries in the fall. The berries hold well into the winter, serving as food for birds. The shrub blooms on new growth so you don't need to worry about accidentally pruning off flower buds in the fall. Zone 5-10