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Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster horizontalis
Cotoneaster – Cotoneaster horizontalis, a hardy and decorative groundcover with white flowers, glossy foliage, and bright red berries. Ideal for slopes, rock gardens, and borders.
Description
Height at maturity
0.50 to 0.80 m
Wingspan at maturity
1.50 to 2 m
Exposure
Sun, partial shade
Flowering
May - June
Hardiness
-25°C
Origin
Asia
Cotoneaster – Cotoneaster horizontalis
Main interest
The Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) is a low-growing ornamental shrub prized for its distinctive herringbone branch pattern, glossy foliage, abundant white flowers, and bright red berries. A true classic in European landscaping, it is an excellent groundcover for slopes, rock gardens, and retaining walls.
In spring, it bursts into small white to pinkish blossoms, attracting bees and pollinators. During summer, its dense dark-green leaves provide structure and texture, while autumn brings vibrant red and orange tones. The plant’s scarlet berries, lasting through winter, add long-lasting color and serve as a valuable food source for birds. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and pollution-resistant, Cotoneaster horizontalis is a low-maintenance and durable choice for gardens of all styles.
Origin and characteristics
Origin: Native to the mountain regions of China, Tibet, and the Himalayas, where it grows naturally on rocky slopes.
Botanical family: Rosaceae.
Distinctive traits: The name horizontalis refers to its horizontal, fan-shaped branching, unique among Cotoneasters. Introduced to Europe in the 19th century, it quickly became a favorite for groundcover and rockery plantings.
Description: A deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub, forming rigid, horizontally layered stems arranged in a herringbone pattern. Its spring bloom is followed by long-lasting red berries, ensuring year-round interest.
Mature height: 50–80 cm
Spread: 1.5–2 m
Form: Low, spreading, and slightly arching.
Bark: Reddish-brown, smooth, and lightly glossy.
Foliage: Small, oval, dark green, glossy leaves turning red to orange in autumn.
Growth rate: Moderate, 20–30 cm per year.
Hardiness: Excellent – down to –25 °C.
Flowering and fruiting
Blooming period: May to June.
Flowers: Tiny, white to pale pink, nectar-rich, and attractive to pollinators.
Fruits: Round, bright red berries appearing in late summer and lasting through winter.
Ecological value: An important nectar source for bees and winter food for birds.
Exposure and soil
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-drained, neutral to calcareous, moderately dry to fresh.
Tolerance: Withstands drought, frost, and urban pollution.
Planting
Soil preparation: Loosen the soil 30–40 cm deep and add compost or organic matter.
Spacing: 50–80 cm apart for dense coverage.
Soil type: Neutral to calcareous, light, and well-drained.
Watering after planting: Regular watering during the establishment period.
At maturity: Drought-tolerant and very easy to maintain.
Pruning
When and how to prune: Light pruning after flowering or in late winter to maintain shape. The shrub tolerates pruning well but also grows beautifully untrimmed.
Propagation
Methods: Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or simple layering.
Note: Rooting is easy when branches touch the soil.
Garden uses
Ideal placement: As a groundcover on slopes, walls, or rock gardens, or along paths and borders.
Combinations: Complements lavenders, thymes, junipers, and santolinas.
Decorative value: Graphic foliage, spring bloom, autumn fruit, and winter color.
Traditional uses
Cotoneaster horizontalis has long been used in urban and cemetery plantings for its low maintenance. In Asia, it is considered a symbol of stability and good fortune.
Pests and diseases
Potential issues: May be susceptible to fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) or powdery mildew in humid conditions.
Prevention: Ensure good air circulation, avoid waterlogging, and prune with clean tools.
Strengths: Generally disease-resistant when grown in well-drained soil.
Care tips
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil.
Water regularly during the first growing season, then only occasionally.
Apply mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Prune lightly to maintain form if desired; no severe pruning required.
Distinctive features
Cotoneaster horizontalis stands out for its unique fan-shaped branch structure and vivid red fruit display. More resilient than creeping varieties like C. dammeri, it tolerates both frost and drought. Its colorful autumn foliage and long-lasting berries make it an essential, year-round ornamental shrub for European gardens.
The Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) is a reliable and versatile ornamental shrub, offering year-round visual appeal with its white spring blooms, glossy foliage, and bright red berries. Hardy, drought-tolerant, and easy to grow, it is ideal for slopes, borders, and rock gardens. Its nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators, while the berries feed birds through winter. Perfect for low-maintenance gardens, this shrub combines beauty, resilience, and ecological value—a timeless favorite for European landscapes.
Features
- Common name : Cotoneaster
- Family : Rosaceae
- Category : ground cover
- Spread : 1.50 to 2 m
- Foliage : half evergreen
- Color of flowers : Pinkish white
- Fruit : Bright red spherical berries in summer, decorative until winter, appreciated by birds.
- Use : Ground cover on slopes, at the edge of flowerbeds, on low walls, or in containers.
- Soil : all
- Habit : Creeping, spreading
- Enemies : nothing to report
- Possible diseases : Powdery mildew
Expédition & livraison
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As soon as you place your order your plants are selected
Each order is processed individually.
Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
Packaging is carefully implemented to avoid any problems.
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Our delivery methods
Shipping of our plants throughout Europe (except overseas and islands).
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