Cotoneaster dammeri Evergreen

Cotoneaster dammeri 'Evergreen' is a German variety of Cotoneaster, more compact and vigorous than the typical species, with small, evergreen leaves. This spreading bush forms an excellent ground cover, reaching about 40 cm (15.7 in) in height and 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in width. Ideal for covering large areas with its dense foliage, which limits the growth of weeds on slopes, or at the base of larger shrubs in beds or rockeries. In June, it is covered in small white flowers streaked with pink, which develop into small round red berries. Easy to grow, this bush thrives even in shade and in poor soils, dry during summer.

Cotoneaster dammeri belongs to the large family of Rosaceae and is native to central and western China. This highly vigorous bush is capable of withstanding droughts as well as harsh winters, even when grown in poor, rocky soil. The cultivar 'Evergreen', sometimes referred to as 'Frieders Evergreen', is a German selection with a spreading, creeping habit, supported by curved and flexible, reddish-brown branches. It grows quite rapidly, reaching a height of about 40 cm (15.7 in) and a width of 2 m (6 ft 7 in) at maturity, and even more as its branches naturally layer themselves. Its very persistent foliage is composed of small, thick, leathery, dark green, glossy oval-shaped leaves. Flowering takes place in June, with very small flowers with 5 white petals streaked with pink. This nectar-rich flowering gives way to fleshy, bright red fruits measuring 5 to 7 mm (0.2 to 0.3 in) in diameter, appreciated by birds.

Cotoneaster dammeri 'Evergreen' is ideal for covering large and challenging areas of the garden, adding a very neat touch. While it can grow under almost any conditions, it will be more fruitful in the sun and will develop faster in fertile, moist soil. Perfect at the base of a tall 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 without hesitation on a large slope, above a wall or retaining wall, at the edge of a terrace or pathway. It can be associated, for example, with the creeping juniper 'Blue Star', Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety', and Forsythia intermedia 'Marée d'or courtasol' to add the colour it lacks.