Sparkling autumn color in the foliage, fruits, or both, is the main attraction of cotoneaster – a varied group of large and small shrubs and small trees.
Most are deciduous, although some of the most widely planted are evergreen shrubs, and there are two obvious features they all have in common.
First, there are the small, five-petaled, mainly white flowers that open in late spring or early summer and which are exceptionally popular with bees. These are followed by clusters of showy berries, usually in red, though also in orange or occasionally yellow. Many have black berries but these have less impact and so black-berried varieties are seen less often.
The birds appreciate the berries as much as we do, but often feed on other berries first, lengthening the garden display. Flowers and berries may come in twos or threes, but the most attractive cotoneasters have heads 2-3in (5-7.5cm) across with around a hundred flowers and then berries.
Cotoneasters may be confused with pyracanthas and hawthorns (Crataegus) but they are distinct in having no thorns. They are mainly robust and adaptable, thriving in many soils and situations, although a few species have become invasive.
These shrubs dazzle with their vibrant berries
Cotoneaster key facts
- Plant type: Deciduous and evergreen shrubs or small trees
- Mature size: 2-15ft (60cm-4.5m)
- Soil type: Any well-drained soil
- Soil pH: Slightly acid, neutral or slightly alkaline
- Time to plant: Spring, fall
- Flowering time: Early summer
- Flower color: White, sometimes pinkish
- Hardiness zones: USDA Z2-7 (RHS H5-7)
- Scientific name: Cotoneaster
- Common name: Cotoneaster
C. atropurpureus covers a bare wall
4 main types of cotoneaster
The most obvious distinctions are between large and small cotoneasters, and between evergreen and deciduous types.
The experts at Trees and Shrubs Online are enthusiastic about them all: 'The taller species from their beauty in fruit, grace of habit, and vigorous constitution, are admirable constituents of the tall shrubbery, but they are still better as isolated specimens on the lawn.
'The smaller species make useful and handsome coverings for sloping, sunny banks,' they continue, adding that the smallest of all are very well adapted as rockery plants.
- Large cotoneasters: With a single trunk or with multiple stems, tall types make impressive specimens in lawns or at the back of mixed borders.
- Small cotoneasters: Lower growing kinds either spread more or less horizontally or make rounded bushes.
- Deciduous: Many deciduous cotoneasters develop fiery fall foliage and a few reveal a striking herringbone branch structure when the leaves fall.
- Evergreen: The foliage of evergreen cotoneasters varies from bold and glossy to neat and dull and can be as much as 6in (15cm) long. In colder areas, some of the leaves may drop in fall.
Weed-suppressing ‘Streib’s Findling’
How to use cotoneaster in your backyard
'The great variation in habit makes them suitable for many purposes, from hedging and border plants to specimen and wall shrubs and plants for a rock garden or ground cover,' says the Royal Horticultural Society’s Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs.
- Hedging plants: Cotoneaster franchetii is evergreen or deciduous, depending on the climate, and has orange berries and sage-green leaves.
- Border plants: The white-edged foliage of Cotoneaster atropurpureus ‘Variegatus’, sometimes sold as 'Northern Borders', develops pink tones in fall along with rows of scarlet berries.
- Specimen: Cotoneaster ‘Cornubia’ is a tall, elegant evergreen shrub or small tree with spectacular clusters of red berries.
- Wall shrubs: Allowed to fan out over a wall or fence, the herringbone branches and red berries of Cotoneaster atropurpureus stand out well.
- In the rock garden: The prostrate stems of Cotoneaster dammeri, with their sparkling red berries, spread out widely and turn down from raised beds.
- Ground cover plants: The tight, dark, prostrate growth of red-berried Cotoneaster ‘Streib’s Findling’ smothers weeds well.
Many cotoneasters make useful short and spreading border and wall shrubs, with flowers loved by bees, berries and often autumn colour, as found in C. atropurpureus ‘Variegatus’
How to plant cotoneasters
Cotoneasters are best in full sun, although some, especially ground cover types, are happy in light shade. They grow very well in fertile, well-drained conditions but will also thrive in poor soil, gravelly sites and heavy clay soil, especially if the planting site is amended with garden compost or other organic matter.
No special planting techniques are required; plant in the same way as other garden shrubs. Staking is not usually necessary. Do not allow newly-planted cotoneasters to dry out, the roots of evergreen types in particular can become dry in windy conditions and will be slow to recover. Mulch immediately after planting to retain moisture and prevent weed growth and keep them well watered in their first year.
Plant your cotoneaster ideally in full sun
How to care for cotoneasters
Cotoneasters are resilient, low-maintenance shrubs, usually developing into attractive plants despite a lack of care and attention which might cause other shrubs to struggle. However, if growth is slow, then a fall application of rose fertilizer (available on Amazon) will help, followed by a mulch of weed-free organic matter to help retain moisture and prevent the development of weeds.
Cotoneasters have a habit of developing into well-shaped plants without any pruning, shaping or trimming, although if a branch grows especially strongly and spoils the shape it can be cut back after flowering. Old and straggly specimens can be cut back hard, if necessary, in spring and will quickly regrow. But, be sure the plant never dries out in its first months after treatment.
Cotoneasters grown as hedges should not be trimmed into a formal shape, but allowed to grow more naturally. Cut back the longest growths after flowering to keep it to the size you require.
Cotoneasters may be trimmed just to keep them within their bounds
How to make more cotoneasters
There are three ways to make more cotoneasters: seeds, layering and taking cuttings from plants.
Each cotoneaster berry contains up to five seeds, and these are spread by birds. So seedlings often pop up around the garden, and these can be dug up when they are about 6in (15cm) high and transplanted to grow on. After two or three years, they can be moved to a permanent position. The problem with growing cotoneasters from seed is that the new plants do not always resemble the plants from which the seeds came.
Any cotoneasters with low branches can be layered. That is, low or prostrate stems can be laid on the ground then a stone or brick placed to keep the stem in contact with the soil. Roots will usually develop and the rooted part can be cut off and replanted elsewhere.
Cotoneasters can also be rooted from 6in (15cm) cuttings taken in early or midsummer. But, without specialist equipment, few will usually take.
Cotoneaster frigidus ‘Cornubia’ makes a large tree or shrub and in autumn is covered in hanging clusters of brilliant red berries
Common problems with cotoneaster
The main problem that afflicts cotoneasters is fireblight, a bacterial disease that occurs naturally in North America but which has now spread to the rest of the world, except Australia.
Fireblight attacks some, but not all, members of the rose family and occurs most often on pears but also on apples and crab apples, hawthorn, quinces, sorbus, photinia, raspberry, pyracantha – and cotoneaster.
The main symptoms are flowers wilting and dying, a white ooze is sometimes seen, and the shoots shriveling up and looking burned as the infection moves into the branches. Under the bark, the wood develops a reddish coloring. Death of flower clusters is followed by the death of branches and, when the disease moves to the roots, the death of the plant.
The only treatment is to prune out infected branches, plus 2ft (60cm) of healthy growth beneath the red-stained wood. Clean and disinfect tools between cuts to avoid spreading the disease.
In the UK in recent years, cotoneaster webber caterpillars have become a problem, especially on Cotoneaster horizontalis. The small, dark brown caterpillars eat the surfaces of the leaves and the leaves turn brown. The caterpillars also produce fine white webbing that helps protect them from small predators.
The browned foliage and white webbing is unsightly, ruining the appearance of the plant. However, the caterpillars do not kill the plant and the affected shoots often produce new foliage later in the season.
The caterpillars are eaten by birds, so hanging a bird feeder near the infected plant will attract blue tits and the great tits that feed on them. Alternatively, spray with an organic pesticide (try Amazon for a selection).
Watch out for fireblight on your cotoneaster
Is cotoneaster poisonous?
'Cotoneaster is poisonous in large amounts and may cause trouble breathing, weakness and seizures,' says the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, while some experts note that the berries are of doubtful, or low, toxicity.
Gastrointestinal problems may also occur after eating a very large quantity of berries. However, the berries are dry and unpalatable, so even the birds usually leave them till late in the season. If in doubt, speak to your doctor.
Cotoneaster berries very rarely cause problems for carnivorous pets. Cats and dogs do not find them palatable, but sheep and cattle can be at risk. There have been no cases of poisoning in horses. Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns.
The white flowers attract bees
Is cotoneaster fast growing?
Some cotoneasters, especially evergreens, are fast-growing shrubs and soon make good-sized plants that create impact when in flower and dazzle the garden when in full fruit in the fall. ‘Cornubia’ (red berries) and ‘Rothschildianus’ (yellow berries) stand out, but may not be evergreen in cold winters (US below zone 7).
By contrast, many grow more slowly, such as the deciduous Cotoneaster horizontalis (red berries) or ‘Cotoneaster microphyllus (red berries)’ or creep along the ground like ‘Gnom’ (red berries) and ‘Coral Beauty’ (orange berries). Check the descriptions on plant tags and websites carefully before choosing.
Fast-growing ‘Rothschildianus’ makes a 5m (26ft) semi-evergreen shrub
Is cotoneaster deer resistant?
The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, has assessed a wide range of garden plants for their resistance to deer by consulting master gardeners, landscape designers, nursery growers, garden writers and other experts.
Cotoneasters, both evergreen and deciduous, are rated as 'Seldom Severely Damaged'. Only those rated as 'Rarely Damaged' are considered as more deer-resistant plants.
Cotoneasters are susceptible to damage from deers
Is cotoneaster invasive?
Yes, some cotoneasters are invasive plants. For example, cotoneaster has become a serious problem in Golden Gate Park where it is smothering the wild lupines on which the larvae of the federally-endangered mission blue butterfly feed. May acres of cotoneaster have now been removed.
Unfortunately, identifying the different cotoneaster species can be difficult, even for experts, so it pays to seek advice from your local extension service before choosing.
These four invasive cotoneasters are causing the greatest concern: Cotoneaster franchetii (US west coast); Cotoneaster horizontalis (US west coast, Ontario); Cotoneaster lacteus (US west coast); and Cotoneaster simonsii (US west coast, British Columbia). If you would like to plant a cotoneaster, play safe by avoiding these species.
Cotoneasters can add color and interest to a garden wall
How to buy cotoneaster plants
Walk-in nurseries, garden centers and the garden departments of DIY stores will usually offer a few different cotoneasters in spring at flowering time, or in fall when the shrubs with berries are at their best.
Mail-order sources supply cotoneasters in tubes and up to a gallon size, occasionally larger. Tubes are the most economical option, although the plants are small and will take a year or two to catch up with larger, more expensive specimens.
Deciduous plants for hedging, mainly Cotoneaster franchetii or Cotoneaster lucidus, may be sent out as bare roots (dug up from the nursery with the soil shaken off) in a range of sizes. They must be planted promptly on receipt, in spring or fall.
Where to buy cotoneaster
Fancy planting a cotoneaster in your backyard? These quicklinks will help you get started:
Shop cotoneaster in the US:
Shop cotoneaster in the UK:
