Cotoneaster procumbens Streibs Findling

Cotoneaster procumbens 'Streib's Findling' is a German variety of creeping Cotoneaster with compact and slow growth, and small dark green leaves that are evergreen. This low-growing and spreading bush is an excellent ground cover, reaching a height of about 15cm (5.9in) and spreading 1 to 2m (3 - 7ft) wide. It is ideal for covering large areas with its dense foliage, preventing the growth of weeds on slopes, walls, or at the base of larger shrubs in flower beds or rockeries. In June, it is covered in small white flowers with pink streaks that develop into small coral red berries. Easy to cultivate, this bush thrives even in shady and poor, dry soil during summer.

Cotoneaster procumbens belongs to the large family of Rosaceae and is native to central and western China. This vigorous bush can withstand prolonged droughts as well as harsh winters, even when growing in poor, rocky soil. The 'Streib's Findling' cultivar is a German selection from 1960 with a spreading and creeping habit, supported by curved and flexible reddish-brown branches. It grows relatively slowly, reaching a height of about 15cm (5.9in) and spreading 1 to 2m (3 - 7 ft) wide at maturity, and even more as its branches naturally layer. Its evergreen foliage consists of small, thick, and leathery oval-shaped leaves. They are very dark green and glossy. The flowering occurs in June, with tiny 5-petalled white flowers streaked with pink. This nectar-rich flowering is followed by fleshy fruits measuring 5 to 7mm (0.2 - 0.3in) in diameter, appreciated by birds.

This 'Streib's Findling' Cotoneaster is ideal as a ground cover in challenging areas of the garden, adding a neat touch. While it can grow in almost any conditions, it will be more fruitful in sunny locations and will develop faster in fertile and moist soil. Perfect at the base of a tall hedge or in a shaded and bare corner of the garden, such as under a large tree, it can also be planted in a rockery to fill the gaps between other plants. Don't hesitate to plant it on a steep slope, above a wall or retaining wall, along a terrace or pathway. It can be paired, for example, with the creeping juniper 'Blue Star', Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety', and Forsythia intermedia 'Marée d'or' to bring in some additional colour.