Cotoneaster horizontalis

The Cotoneaster horizontalis, also known as Creeping Cotoneaster, is a deciduous bush that is very robust, cold-resistant, and water-efficient, widely used by landscaping professionals, especially to fill large highway slopes. In addition to its ease of cultivation, it has interesting ornamental qualities: its small leaves become flamboyant in autumn, its dark green foliage is adorned with small white flowers in spring, and its branches are adorned with numerous bright red fruits in winter. Before introducing it to the garden, it is important to consider its growth, which can be significant with age, even though it tolerates pruning perfectly.

The Cotoneaster horizontalis is a species of the Rosaceae family native to China, Taiwan, and Nepal. In its natural habitat, this bush is found in dry mountainous regions, between 1500 and 3000 m (9842 to 9842 ft) above sea level. It thrives in thickets, among rocks, and on rocky slopes. Its growth is quite rapid, with a dense and well-branched habit, spreading wider than it is tall. Ultimately, it can easily reach a height of 1m (3ft) and a width of 3m (10ft) if not pruned. Its horizontal branches are highly branched, with all the twigs arranged in the same plane, forming a "fishbone" pattern. The branches naturally layer when in contact with the ground. Its deciduous leaves measure 6 to 12mm (0.5in) in length and are entire and ovate, with a shiny dark green colour. In autumn, they turn reddish-orange before falling. The abundant and nectar-rich flowering occurs in May. It consists of single, white-pink flowers with 5 petals, measuring 6 to 8mm (0.3in) in diameter, solitary or in pairs. After pollination, fruits form and ripen in September. These are bright red berries, measuring 5mm (0.2in) in diameter and greatly appreciated by birds. They persist on the bare branches during winter, offering a beautiful decorative effect. Birds disperse the seeds in the garden.

The Cotoneaster horizontalis is not demanding and adapts to any well-drained soil, even limestone, or relatively dry in summer. Almost maintenance-free, it only requires a balance pruning in March to maintain its prostrate form and limit its conquering tendencies. It is an excellent ground cover on a slope or in a large rock garden, but it can also be integrated into a small hedge or trained against a wall. To vegetate a slope or embankment, combine the Creeping Cotoneaster with evergreen ceanothes, Cotoneaster suecicus Juliette, or Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip, for example. Add some colour with a Nozomi ground cover rose and some shrub cinquefoils.