A hardy evergreen with grey-green leaves, sprays of white summer flowers and heavy crops of orange-red autumn berries loved by birds. Tough and drought-proof, but bird-spread seedlings can become weedy.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 3 m H × 2.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster glaucophyllus is a fast-growing shrub in the Rosaceae family. It reaches around 3 m tall and 2.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Cotoneaster does best in free-draining, poor and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.5 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Cotoneaster handles dry conditions well once established. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Prune Cotoneaster after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Cotoneaster in the garden
Cotoneaster earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, feeding bees and pollinators and holding soil on banks and slopes.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same very drought tolerant and cool-temperate climate as Cotoneaster. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Cotoneaster
Plant Sale lists Cotoneaster as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
