Cotoneaster procumbens Queen of Carpets

The Cotoneaster procumbens Queen of Carpets is a ground cover bush forming a low, spreading carpet, with small leaves, dark green with grey undersides, and white flowers followed by bright red fruits. It is highly sought after for covering slopes and forming low hedges.

Originating from the Himalayas, this 50cm (19.7in) tall and 1m wide cotoneaster has a compact and creeping habit. An excellent ground cover, it is dense enough to smother weeds. Its evergreen leaves, 5 to 8mm (0.2 - 0.3in) in length, are dark green on top and grey underneath. In May, it bears single flowers with 5 petals, approximately 1cm (0.4in) in diameter and white in colour. In September, the globose bright red fruits, 6mm (0.2in) in diameter, with two stones, are highly appreciated by birds. They persist during winter on the bare branches, offering a beautiful decorative effect.

Easy to grow, the 'Queen of Carpets' Cotoneaster adapts well to any well-drained soil, even chalk, in a sunny or light shade position. Not demanding, it will be happy with pruning in March and a mulch to keep the soil cool in summer.

The Small-leaved Cotoneaster, combined with dwarf conifers or other small bushes, is a good ground cover to fill a slope, a rockery, or a wall.