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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.5 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Cotoneaster is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Cotoneaster with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.