Cotoneaster dammeri Eichholz

Cotoneaster dammeri 'Eicholz', also known as Cotoneaster radicans 'Eichholz', is a vigorous creeping bush with strong growth, forming a large evergreen ground cover. It is attractive all year round. Its very dense foliage discourages the appearance of weeds on slopes and clears the space at the base of larger bushes. In late spring, it is adorned with pretty small white flowers that give way to bright red berries, which are quite decorative against its glossy dark green foliage. Easy to grow, this bush will thrive even in shade and in poor and dry soils in summer, once well established.

Cotoneaster dammeri 'Eicholz' belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to central and western China. This vigorous bush can withstand marked droughts but also very harsh winters, even when growing in poor and rocky soil. It has a prostrate, spreading and creeping habit, supported by curved and flexible branches, which are reddish-brown in colour. Its growth is quite rapid, reaching maturity at approximately 35 cm (13.8 in) in height and 1.80 m (5.9 ft) in spread. Its evergreen foliage is composed of small thick and leathery leaves, oval in shape, not exceeding 1 cm (0.4 in) in length and 5 mm (0.2 in) in width. They are very dark green and glossy. Flowering takes place in May-June, in the form of very small, nectar-rich white flowers with 5 petals. This flowering gives way to bright coral red fleshy fruits measuring 5 mm to 7 mm (0.2 in to 0.3 in) in diameter. The berries are very popular with birds. 

This creeping cotoneaster is ideal for covering large areas in difficult areas of the garden, adding a very neat touch. While it is capable of growing in almost any conditions, it will be more fruitful in the sun or partial shade and will grow faster in fertile and moist soil. Perfect at the base of a large hedge or in a shady and bare corner of the garden, for example under a large tree, it can also be planted in a rockery to fill the spaces between other plants. Plant it on a large slope, above a wall, at the edge of a terrace or an alley. It can be planted alongside, for example, Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star', Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' and Forsythia Marée d'Or ('Courtasol') to provide a splash of colour.