Cotoneaster x suecicus Erlinda - Swedish Cotoneaster

The Cotoneaster x suecicus 'Erlinda' is a recent variety, grafted on a stem, with arching trailing branches, giving it a weeping habit. Its foliage is variegated, with green leaves marginated with white-cream and speckled with pink. In June, it is covered with small white to pale pink flowers that turn into small spherical red berries in September and October. Easy to grow, this bush thrives even in shade and in poor, dry soils in summer.

The Cotoneaster suecicus belongs to the large family of Rosaceae. It is a cross between the Cotoneaster conspicuus and the Cotoneaster dammeri, two species originating respectively from Tibet and central-western China. It is a resistant and hardy shrub, even when growing in poor, rocky soil. The cultivar 'Erlinda' is grafted on a tall stem, creating a weeping silhouette of trailing, curved and flexible branches, with a reddish-brown colour. Its growth is quite slow, reaching a mature height of about 1.20m with a spread of 50cm. Its semi-evergreen foliage is composed of small, thick and leathery oval-shaped leaves. They are pink when they burst, turning variegated green and white with touches of pink, and finally red in autumn. Flowering occurs in June, with very small flowers with 5 white to pink petals. This melliferous flowering gives way to fleshy fruits measuring 5 to 7mm in diameter, bright red, appreciated by birds.

This 'Erlinda' cotoneaster can be planted as a miniature tree in a small bed. Plant small bulbs with pink or red flowers at its base to echo its colours. Dwarf and creeping conifers enhance its colours with their sobriety. It can also be planted in a container on a terrace, especially since it is not demanding. While it can grow in almost any conditions, it is more fruitful in the sun and develops faster in fertile and moist soil.