Cotoneaster: Planting, Pruning and Care

Description and botany

The Cotoneaster genus comprises approximately 200 species divided between shrubby species and ground-cover species, most often evergreen (Cotoneaster lacteus and Cotoneaster franchetii), deciduous for some species (Cotoneaster horizontalis) or semi-evergreen (Cotoneaster suecicus). Only a few species are commonly cultivated in our gardens. Specialist nurseries may also offer rarer cotoneasters like the small, prostrate Cotoneaster adpressus or Cotoneaster lucidus.
All belong to the Rosaceae family and originate from wooded or rocky areas of Northern Europe, Asia and North Africa.

The Cotoneaster is a upright or completely prostrate shrub, depending on the species. Erect and spreading, with arching branches for Cotoneaster franchetii, more bushy and horizontal with fishbone-like branching for Cotoneaster horizontalis, compact and creeping for Cotoneaster microphylla or completely prostrate for Cotoneaster dammeri. The branching varies by species and cultivar. The stems of Cotoneaster apiculatus release a delightful cherry scent when cut.

Its growth rate is moderate to fast even in poor soils and its height ranges from 15 cm to 4 m depending on whether it’s creeping, medium-sized or large (2 to 5 m in all directions). Size and habit determine its use.

The smallest forms like Cotoneaster horizontalis or microphylla are particularly prized by bonsai enthusiasts.

Cotoneaster franchetii – botanical illustration

All exhibit a beautiful spread with considerable ground coverage, potentially reaching 4-5 m or more as some creeping species tend to self-layer naturally, readily colonising slopes or hard-to-access areas. Some have naturalised in many countries like Australia and California where they’re now considered invasive.

Cotoneasters form attractive, dense bushy clumps valued for their evergreen to semi-evergreen (depending on climate) or deciduous foliage. The thick, leathery leaves measuring 0.5 mm to 12 cm long, alternate, entire, oval or elliptical, are medium to dark green, glossy or matte on top and often grey-green with felted undersides. Cotoneaster adpressus has wavy leaves. Some varieties like Cotoneaster horizontalis Variegatus feature cream-variegated green foliage.

Light green when emerging, they darken with time and some turn yellow, deep purple-red or orange-red in autumn before falling. Deciduous forms display more colourful autumn foliage.

This dense vegetation gives way to flowering in late spring, from May to July depending on climate. The shrub becomes dusted with numerous small, simple 5-petalled flowers, mostly white or sometimes pink, solitary or in small clusters. They are fragrant and highly attractive to pollinators, making this shrub valuable for garden wildlife.

By September-October, this flowering gives way to highly ornamental fruiting that enhances the shrub’s charm. Clusters of small fleshy round or ovoid fruits 1-10 mm long, red, vermilion, orange or deep purple-black in Cotoneaster lucidus adorn the foliage. ‘Coral Beauty’ bears bright coral-orange berries, Cotoneaster franchetii salmon-pink berries, while some rarer cultivars produce yellow drupes.

This profusion of glossy fruits often persists well into winter on the branches, providing food for birds and adding colour to the garden in the cold season.

They are not edible and are toxic if consumed in large quantities.

Cotoneaster is an exceptionally accommodating shrub that adapts to all exposures, climates and soils.

This robust plant is hardy to -25°C and can be grown in all regions. It withstands harsh winters and occasional droughts once established. It thrives in sun or partial shade in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil, even stony ones.

Cotoneaster is an essential shrub for any garden, particularly for low-maintenance or naturalistic gardens. It’s perfect in mixed, hedgerow, country or formal hedges. Evergreen, upright species quickly form a green screen to mask unsightly views, while creeping cotoneasters make excellent ground cover.

It can also be trained against walls or grown as bonsai. Some smaller forms can be cultivated in containers on terraces, creating cascades of greenery.

Cotoneaster trained as bonsai

Species and main varieties

There are nearly 200 species of Cotoneasters, ranging from shrubby varieties to ground-covering types. The choice is vast for every garden! All are low-maintenance, hardy, and easy to grow, producing an abundance of flowers, colourful decorative berries, or fiery autumn foliage.

Only a few species are commonly cultivated in our gardens: Cotoneaster franchetii, Cotoneaster dammeri, Cotoneaster horizontalis, and Cotoneaster lacteus, which come in interesting cultivars and hybrids distinguished by their mature height, growth habit, and deciduous or evergreen foliage.

Main species cultivated in gardens: 1 Cotoneaster franchetii, 2 dammeri, 3 horizontalis, and 4 lacteus

Depending on the species, their growth habit varies greatly, from upright to slightly weeping or entirely prostrate. Their height can range from a few dozen centimetres to 4-5 metres.

Cotoneaster franchetii and Cotoneaster lacteus are ideal for creating a hedge 2 to 3 metres tall, while Cotoneaster horizontalis is a giant creeping species perfect for low hedges along walls. Cotoneaster dammeri makes an excellent ground cover.

Alongside these common species, we offer a range of rarer cotoneasters that are too good to miss, such as Cotoneaster adpressus, a small deciduous species with a prostrate habit that forms an exceptionally dense ground cover, and Cotoneaster lucidus, which quickly creates a lush hedge that turns beautiful shades of yellow to red-purple in autumn.

Most Popular

Our Favourites

Other Interesting Varieties

Cotoneaster horizontalis

An excellent ground cover for slopes and rockeries, it can even be trained against a wall. Its distinctive feature is branches arranged in a herringbone pattern.

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster franchetii

The shrub's foliage is evergreen to semi-evergreen, depending on the climate. It thrives as a standalone specimen, in mixed shrub borders, as a free or clipped hedge, in edging, and as ground cover.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster dammeri Eichholz

A vigorous, fast-growing evergreen ground cover shrub that thrives even on poor slopes.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 35 cm

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster microphyllus

Ideal as ground cover for slopes, rockeries, or walls.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster lacteus - Milky Cotoneaster

A vigorous evergreen shrub, often used for hedging but adaptable to any situation!

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster horizontalis Variegatus

Smaller and less vigorous than the species type, with stunning variegated foliage, it makes excellent ground cover for slopes and rockeries.

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 45 cm

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster suecicus Coral Beauty

A magnificent ground-covering variety, forming a compact dome studded with coral-orange fruits—perfect for covering slopes and banks!

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster procumbens Queen of Carpets

We love this ground-covering shrub, forming a dense mat of dark green foliage with white flowers followed by bright red berries—ideal for slopes and low hedges.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster lucidus

A Cotoneaster still rarely planted in gardens, yet highly valued for its beautiful autumn colours and decorative berries—often used in hedging.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Cotoneaster adpressus Little Gem

This cotoneaster stands out for its compact, dense growth habit and near absence of flowers and fruit.

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 25 cm

See the product sheet

 

Planting

Where to Plant Cotoneaster?

The Cotoneaster is a low-maintenance shrub that thrives in almost any conditions and requires little care. Hardy down to -25°C, it can be grown in all regions, even those with harsh winters. It also tolerates occasional drought once well-established. Only large evergreen species need protection from cold, drying winds in areas where temperatures remain below -10°C for extended periods.

Although it can tolerate dappled shade and will grow well even in a shady corner of the garden, for optimal flowering and fruiting, plant Cotoneaster in a preferably sunny spot. It grows in all soil types, including chalky or rocky soils. It simply requires well-drained soil, as it dislikes heavy clay or waterlogged conditions in winter.

Cotoneaster is versatile—its size and shape determine its use. It suits all garden styles.

In a new garden, it quickly forms a green screen or cushion of foliage.

Evergreen or deciduous, creeping varieties (Cotoneaster microphylla, Cotoneaster dammeri) and medium-sized shrubs make excellent ground cover, ideal for slopes and tricky areas. Their natural layering ability makes them a great solution for stabilising slopes. They also work well at the base of a tall hedge or in rockeries. Their dense foliage suppresses weeds.

Upright varieties, such as larger species (Cotoneaster lacteus, Cotoneaster franchetii), are perfect for informal or clipped hedges. These cotoneasters are ideal for creating an evergreen hedge, brightening a shady corner, or quickly forming a privacy screen.

Some, with their weeping habit, make stunning standalone shrubs, trained as small trees—just ensure they have enough space. With its flexible branches, the Cotoneaster horizontalis can be easily trained against a wall.

Dwarf varieties (Cotoneaster procumbens ‘Queen of Carpets’) work well in pots on a terrace to define spaces or can be grown as bonsai. Pair them with dwarf conifers or other small shrubs like creeping juniper, Euonymus, or Forsythia.

When to Plant Cotoneaster?

Cotoneaster is best planted in autumn, from September to November, to encourage root establishment. Spring planting (March–April) is also possible for container-grown specimens. In all cases, plant after severe frosts.

How to Plant Cotoneaster?

Cotoneaster is undemanding, making planting straightforward. Good drainage is essential—its roots dislike waterlogging. Add a 20 cm layer of drainage material at the bottom of the planting hole.

In the ground

• Soak the root ball if dry
• Dig a hole at least three times the root ball’s size
• Add pumice or gravel if needed for drainage
• Plant and backfill without burying the stems
• Firm the soil with your foot
• Mulch to retain moisture in summer
• Water thoroughly at planting and regularly during the first summer

Planting density

A single plant can create impact, especially taller varieties mixed with other shrubs. However, cotoneasters look spectacular planted in groups of three of the same variety.

For hedges, space plants 80 cm to 1 m apart.

Low-growing, spreading varieties are perfect for slopes, where they’ll expand over time. For a well-covered slope in winter, choose evergreen species and plant in groups (3–5 plants per m²).

In pots

Plant in a 30-litre container filled with a mix of compost, garden soil, and river sand, with a generous layer of clay pebbles for perfect drainage. Water regularly but avoid overwatering.

Size and Care of Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster is an easy-care shrub that requires no particular maintenance.

It only needs watering during extreme heat and particularly in dry weather during the first year after planting to encourage good root establishment. Once well-rooted, it becomes drought-resistant. Just a few summer waterings will suffice even during prolonged dry spells. Potted cotoneasters have increased water needs: water as soon as the soil surface dries out.

Most cotoneasters don’t require regular pruning but benefit from occasional cutting back. They tolerate pruning well and can even be hard-pruned in early spring if needed.

They’re content with light shaping to maintain a compact form, generous flowering and fruiting, dense foliage, and to encourage new growth on bare trunks. They can easily be trained as small standard trees by pruning lower branches. Some creeping species naturally layer themselves and can spread indefinitely. It’s therefore advisable to monitor their spread.

• Deciduous cotoneasters only need minimal pruning to maintain a balanced shape. In February-March, after leaf fall and before new growth begins, simply trim damaged shoot tips and remove wayward or tangled stems. Also remove any dead wood.
• Evergreen cotoneasters only need formative pruning during their first two years, in early spring or after flowering to shape the shrub. Remove the longest shoots.

Prune cotoneaster hedges lightly in late summer, cutting back stems close to the fruits without removing them.

The shoots of trained specimens should be pruned annually after flowering or in late winter, cutting back to a maximum of 4 buds from the base of the shoot.

→ Also read Ingrid’s tutorial: How to Train a Cotoneaster?

Cotoneaster horizontalis trained against a wall

Possible diseases and pests

Cotoneaster is a hardy shrub, quite resistant to diseases. However, like all plants in the Rosaceae family, its main enemy is fire blight, which dries out the shrub within weeks and for which there is no cure. In case of an attack, you should prevent the spread of the bacteria by removing affected parts and burning the stump. Root rot is also a potential disease risk, particularly in very damp soils.

In spring and summer, it may also suffer from some aphid and scale insect infestations, which you can eliminate with a few sprays of soapy water. More rarely, it may be attacked by leaf-eating caterpillars, which are harder to control.

→ Learn more about Cotoneaster diseases and pests in our advice sheet.

Propagation

Cotoneaster can be easily propagated by cuttings, layering or sowing, with the first method being the quickest and simplest.

Taking Cuttings

Semi-ripe cuttings should be taken in September for evergreen cotoneasters (take advantage of the pruning period). In May-June, take softwood cuttings from deciduous species.

• Take 10-15 cm cuttings from the tips of shoots, preferably with a heel at the base
• Make a 5 cm long slit in the bark
• Remove the lower leaves, keeping only two pairs of upper leaves
• Plant them about 7 cm deep in a well-draining mix of sand and compost
• Keep the substrate moist until rooting occurs under a cold frame
• Transplant your cuttings into pots then into open ground in autumn or the following spring
• Water well during the first year after planting

→ Learn more about propagating Cotoneaster in our tutorial!

Pairing with cotoneaster

An excellent evergreen or deciduous shrub, the Cotoneaster forms beautiful country hedges, trimmed or windbreak hedges, and effective ground covers that require little maintenance and mark the seasons with their changing colours. The pinkish-white flowers in early summer, the glossy, colourful fruits in autumn and winter, and the beautiful hues of its foliage in autumn make the Cotoneaster indispensable in every garden. Versatile, this shrub adapts to all uses in a naturalistic or wild garden and pairs easily with perennials or other deciduous or evergreen shrubs, which will highlight the colours of its leaves.

In a sunny spot, it can easily be paired with Deutzias, mock oranges, botanical roses, Japanese kerria, spireas, cinquefoils, and perennials such as columbines, geraniums, or foxgloves. Intertwining its foliage with a climbing plant like a clematis or a dwarf honeysuckle will brighten it up in summer.

It will stand out beautifully against a backdrop of plants with contrasting forms, such as Japanese maples, spindle trees, Nandinas, berry-bearing hollies, and barberries. Bamboos and miscanthus will form a lovely evergreen backdrop for the Cotoneaster’s brightly coloured fruits, while a Cornus alba ‘Baton Rouge’ will echo the hues of its berries, so striking on bare branches. It works wonders in a mixed hedge, paired with viburnums, lilacs, or serviceberries, for example.

In autumn, the Cotoneaster’s fruit-laden branches and the amber leaves of an Aronia will create a flamboyant pairing.

In a large evergreen hedge, planted en masse along a path, it pairs well with many other easy-going shrubs, such as laurustinus, Pyracantha, strawberry trees, bay laurel, viburnums, Elaeagnus ebbingei, and Photinia.

The Cotoneaster horizontalis ‘Variegatus’ can be paired with variegated foliage shrubs like those of Aucubas, Cornus alternifolia ‘Argentea’, and Rhamnus alaternus Argenteovariegata.

As a ground cover under large deciduous trees, it will provide evergreen spots throughout winter when the trees have lost their leaves. On slopes, the creeping Cotoneaster can be paired with creeping dogwoods, creeping juniper ‘Blue Star’, spindle ‘Emerald Gaiety’, Berberis thunbergii Atropurpurea ‘Nana’, and Forsythia intermedia ‘Marée d’or’, a Ceanothus Thyrsiflorus Repens.

Idea for dressing a slope, beautiful year-round: Cotoneaster horizontalis variegatus, Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’, Cornus sericea ‘Kelseyi’ and Berberis thungergii atropurpurea ‘Nana’

It can also be grown in large containers on a terrace or large balcony, paired with dwarf conifers or other small shrubs to create evergreen screens.