With pretty springiness flush , beautiful verdure , fantastic drop colors , and bright red berries , cotoneaster is an easy and reliable performer with great versatility .

unlike mintage provide varying architectural forms , pee-pee these shrubs wonderfully adaptable throughout the garden and landscape .

Creeping and prostrate type are low - growing and are typically used as ground covers .

A close up horizontal image of red cotoneaster growing next to a path as ground cover.

We join to trafficker to aid you bump relevant mathematical product . If you grease one’s palms from one of our links , we may earn a commission .

They also make dramatic additions spilling over the side of containers and retaining wall , creep in rockeries , pare into fanciful topiary , stabilizing bank and slopes , and inxeriscapes .

The upright species typically have elegant , arch branches and create liberal exhibit when either tightly trim back into formal hedge or left freeform as loose hedge .

A close up vertical image of cotoneaster growing in the garden with bright red berries and small white flowers. To the center and bottom of the frame is green and white printed text.

Easily trained , upright types are also popular espaliered to fences and wall , trellised as privacy screen , standardize into minuscule trees , and grow in single or multiple rows as farm windbreaks .

The flowers and berries attractbeesandbirds , but cervid andrabbitsstay away from these shrubs . They ’re also salt resistant , making them a good selection for seaside garden .

And once they are set up , these plants are drought resistive and self - root word readily , forming great , attractive colonies .

A close up vertical image of cotoneaster growing in the garden with bright red berries and small white flowers. To the center and bottom of the frame is green and white printed text.

These shrub may be evergreen or deciduous , depending on the coinage , and some are semi - evergreen . Semi - evergreen type will stay evergreen in fond locations , and drop their leaves in nerveless growing zona .

In ourguide to maturate cotoneaster , you ’ll get wind that they ’re very loose to care for – a little spring pruning for human body if needed , and that ’s about it for criminal maintenance !

Sound like a plant - and - forget shrub your garden needs ?

A close up horizontal image of C. dammeri shrub growing up a wooden fence, with bright green leaves and red berries.

Then unite us now for a look at 21 of the adept cotoneaster varieties for ground covers , hedging , and more !

Here they are :

21 of the Best Cotoneaster Varieties for Your Garden

It should be noted that some species have escaped garden refinement and are consider trespassing in certain coastal areas in North America such as British Columbia , California , the Great Lakes state , Hawaii , and the Pacific Northwest , as well as in parts of Australia , New Zealand , and western Europe .

You may care to check with your local reference government agency or theUSDA invasive plant listbefore establish , to assure that your chosen variety is not considered invasive in your field .

Ground Covers

For grow as dry land binding , the following prostrate species are democratic .

They ’re also well suited for low barrier , rock gardens , disgorge over retain walls , and to stabilise depository financial institution and slopes .

1. Bearberry

Bearberry , C. dammeri , has low , train stem that raise up to 10 feet retentive , with a elevation that ranges from six to 24 inches .

An evergreen plant , the ovate leaves are deep green and shining , turning reddish - purpleness in the fall . The stems are cover with a jazzy display of single white flowers in late natural spring followed by bright red Charles Edward Berry through fall and winter .

Bearberry cotoneaster is a various bush that can be used for borderline , ground covers , atop keep walls , or for soil stabilization . Hardy in Zones 5 - 9 , plants are semi - evergreen in cold areas .

A close up square image of C. dammeri ‘Coral Beauty’ growing in the garden.

‘ Coral Beauty ’

‘ Coral Beauty ’ features lovely , coral pinkish berries and reaches matured dimensions of 18 - 24 inches tall with a spread of five to six feet .

you’re able to find plant life in # 1 containersavailable at Nature Hills Nursery .

A close up horizontal image of C. apiculatus with small green leaves and bright red berries growing in the garden, pictured on a soft focus background.

2. Cranberry

Cranberry cotoneaster , C. apiculatus , is low and sprawling with alright - textured foliage and long , trailing stems . Plants grow up to 18 column inch tall and circularize three to six animal foot .

pinkish blooms appear in spring , then a profusion of bright ruby berries in downslope , with circular , shiny leaf that change state cherry-red to burgundy in autumn .

This deciduous coinage is a beautiful option for a low barrier , earth blanket , rock garden , or for slope and camber stabilisation . Plants are worthy for cultivation in Zones 4 - 7 .

A close up square image of C. apiculatus aka cranberry cotoneaster growing in a rocky location in the garden.

Cranberry Cotoneaster

you’re able to find plants in one - gallon containersavailable at Home Depot .

3. Creeping

C. adpressus , aka creeping cotoneaster , are compact deciduous plant life with trailing stem that attain up to six feet long with a pinnacle of only 12 inches .

Pinky reddish flower are trace by dour red Charles Edward Berry and thick burgundy fall colour . This mintage is stout in Zones 4 - 7 and is extremely drought tolerant once show .

Most effective when used for borders , ground covers , and in rockeries . It ’s also a popular option for topiary and bonsai .

A close up horizontal image of bright red berries and small green leaves pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

‘ Tom Thumb ’

‘ Tom Thumb ’ is a dense , nanus cultivar with tiny leave of absence and smaller - than - average fruit .

Plants are available in one - gallon containersat Nature Hills Nursery .

A close up square image of the foliage of C. adpressus ‘Tom Thumb’ growing in the garden, pictured in light sunshine on a dark soft focus background.

4. Kashmir

compendious with a low - grow form , Kashmir cotoneaster , C. cashmiriensis , is an evergreen species with a height of up to 12 inch and spreads up to four feet .

Hardy in Zones 5 - 8 , the dense foliage feature small , glossy green farewell and pink buds that unfold to white heyday , with dark crimson berries developing in autumn .

It makes an excellent ground cover or dirt stabiliser on banks and slopes and is evenly at base in containers or rockery . It ’s also popular as a bonsai specimen .

A close up horizontal image of C. cashmiriensis growing over and around rocks pictured in light filtered sunshine.

5. Littleleaf

One of the smallest and slowest acquire types , C. microphyllus , or littleleaf cotoneaster , is a mound evergreen with a mature summit of up to 18 inches and a counterpane of up to four feet .

pocket-size , unmarried white flowers appear in late summer follow by a profusion of dusty red berries in autumn .

Plants are stout in Zones 5 - 9 , and are suitable for bonsai , container , footing covers , rockeries , and other small outer space .

A close up vertical image of the green leaves and red berries of C. microphyllus growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

6. Tibetan

A densely mounding evergreen , C. conspicuus , or Tibetan cotoneaster , has rich green foliage and lovely arching branches that grow four feet tall with an eight - foot spread .

bow are cover with pretty , single bloodless peak in late spring and the berry are early to color , turn a shiny deep red in former summertime . Can be semi - deciduous in cooler area , with leaves turn deep red and maroon .

Hardy in Zones 5 - 9 , plants are well - suited for growing as undercoat covers , slope stabilizer , or as fillers in bed and borders .

A close up horizontal image of the reddish-purple autumn foliage of C. conspicuus growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine.

Upright Hedge Types

The espouse upright mintage are commonly used for hedge as well as roadblock , founding plantings , standards , topiary , and windbreaks .

7. Black-Fruited

The sinister - fruitedC. melanocarpusis a mid - sized shrub with a rounded figure and is passing drought tolerant once established .

Abundant panicle of pinky - lily-white flowers appear in recent spring and pomes emerge as cryptic orange or red , then mature to a rich , purple bleak . The glossy , ovate leaves glint in blaze shades of orange , ruby-red , and chicken in fall .

desirable for refinement in Zones 3 - 7 , black - fruited cotoneaster is a deciduous shrub used for perimeter , hedges , and bank stability . It has a elevation and spread of four to eight feet .

A close up horizontal image of the bright reddish-orange foliage and dark purple fruit of C. melanocarpus growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine.

8. European

A good choice for region with cool summers , the deciduous European species , C. integerrimus , has a multi - stemmed , upright increase of five to eight foot with a like spread .

In late springtime , the stems are encompass with attractive , small cream flowers and heavy foliage , then an abundance of rose - colored Charles Edward Berry . The stale light-green leaves put on vivid evenfall colouring material of Bourgogne and vermilion .

Popular in conservation projects and for multiple or individual - row windbreaks , shrubs can also be used as hedges and summer privacy screens . European cotoneaster is dauntless in Zones 3 - 6 .

A close up horizontal image of the small white flowers and green leaves of C. integerrimus pictured in light sunshine.

9. Franchet’s

An outstanding evergreen to semi - evergreen , Franchet ’s cotoneaster , C. franchetii , features arching branches with a height of six to 10 feet with a spread of four to eight feet .

Small , gray - green ellipse leaves have white underside , and fairly blank flowers look in former spring followed by orange - blood-red berries . In cold regions , leaf turn yellow or ruby-red in autumn before drop from the bush .

Hardy in Zones 6 - 9 , the dense leaf makes an attractive barrier , formal or informal hedging , or secrecy screen .

A close up horizontal image of C. franchetii growing in the garden with bright red berries and green leaves, pictured on a soft focus background.

10. Grayleaf

With low arching theme , the evergreen to semi - evergreen known as grayleaf , C. glaucophyllus , features small , gray - green , rounded leaves .

Dainty pairs of low white flower are follow by shiny Chuck Berry of orangish , pinkish , and vivid reddened .

It grows five to eight foot tall with a standardized bedspread and is well suited to imbed as a barrier , hedgerow , or privacy screen and is also a honest choice for xeriscapes . flora are sturdy in Zones 7 - 9 .

A close up horizontal image of C. glaucophyllus growing in the garden covered in bright red berries.

11. Hedge

Hedge , aka shiny cotoneaster , C. lucidus , features a rounded , upright growth habit with slow , spreading ramification and lustrous , bass green ovoid leaves .

In late natural spring , stems athletics pretty pink blooms that develop into deep purpleness to opprobrious Berry . In fall , the leave take on gorgeous colors of burgundy , crimson , fuchsia , orange , and yellow .

Superb as a founding plant , along fences and wall , for open or pare hedges , and privateness screens , this deciduous species has a height and bedcover of six to 10 foot . Hardy in zone 3 - 7 .

A close up horizontal image of the bright red, purple foliage and dark berries of C. lucidus growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

‘ Peking ’

‘ Beijing ’ is aC. luciduscultivar that grows to a ripe height of eight to 10 feet tall with a cattle farm of five to six infantry .

you may find bare antecedent plantsavailable at Nature Hills Nursery .

A close up square image of the autumn foliage of ‘Peking’ cotoneaster growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

12. Himalayan

A semi - evergreen variety with an upright drug abuse , Himalayan cotoneaster , C. simonsii , grow six to 10 feet tall with a similar bedcover .

In previous bound , halt are covered with little , pinkish - white flower accompany by comparatively large scarlet berries . The glossy , oviform leaves often take on a burgundy tinge in cold weather .

Hardy in Zones 4 - 8 , plant are well - suited for barriers , hedging , screens , or stabilizing banks and incline .

A close up horizontal image of C. simonsii growing in the garden, with textured foliage and clusters of red fruits.

13. Hollyberry

A vigorous raiser with an upright substance abuse and graceful , arching shank , C. bullatusaka hollyberry , is a deciduous bush with a mature peak and spread of eight to 12 foot .

Aptly named , clusters of pale pinkish flowers give fashion to an abundant display of magnanimous , showy berries that colour betimes . The recondite - veined , textured leave of absence turn over acute shade of orange and cerise in declination .

Useful in the scope of shrubscapes , along fences or walls , and for develop as privacy screens , plants are audacious in Zones 5 - 9 .

A close up horizontal image of hollyberry cotoneaster growing in the garden with textured foliage and large clusters of red fruits.

14. Late

An evergreen plant shrub , recent cotoneaster , C. lacteus , is also know as milkflower or red clusterberry – for the beautiful clusters of milklike - white flowers and vivid cherry-red berry .

A courtly specimen with foresightful , arc branches , the ovate , gray - green leaves have white , feel - like undersides .

bush get eight to 12 feet improbable with a alike banquet , and are attractive for plant as barrier , hedges , screens , or training as criterion . plant are dauntless in Zones 6 - 9 .

A close up vertical image of C. lacteus growing in the garden with deep green foliage and an abundance of red fruits in clusters.

15. Many-Flowered

A big , deciduous shrub , C. multiflorus , aka many - bloom or showy cotoneaster has an upright , mound growth substance abuse with a refined , weeping form .

In recent spring , halt are cover with a richness of small white flower followed by bright , scarlet red-faced berries . leave turn vibrant nicety of yellow in descent .

A reliable selection for bank stabilization , planting along fence and walls , and informal or conventional hedges . It grows eight to 12 feet tall with a banquet of 12 to 15 feet and is sturdy in Zones 4 - 8 .

A close up horizontal image of the bright pinkish red fruits of C. multiflorus with foliage in soft focus in the background.

16. Rockspray

The attractive stem structure ofC. horizontalis , aka rockspray or wallspray cotoneaster , makes it ideal for hedge or trained against fences and wall .

Small lily-white flowers have a confidential information of pinko , and smart red berries invest the base in descent along with a gorgeous display of orangish - red foliage . These deciduous shrubs are hardy in Zones 5 - 7

This coinage also does two-fold responsibility as a ground cover and is popular for bonsai , as well as for stabilise banks and side . The fanning branch in herringbone pattern patterns spread six to eight feet with a height of up to three animal foot .

A close up horizontal image of rockspray cotoneaster growing over a stone wall, with tiny green leaves and large clusters of bright red berries.

17. Silverleaf

Upright with a handsome , arching form , silverleaf cotoneaster , C. pannosus , is an evergreen specie with a mature superlative and spread of 10 to 12 foot .

It features slow , dark green leave that have a silver , wooly underside , and obtuse clusters of small white bloom in other summer that develop scarlet to burgundy Chuck Berry .

A good choice for barrier , hedges , or espaliered on fences and walls , C. pannosusis hardy in Zones 7 - 10 , making it a good choice in strong regions .

A close up horizontal image of wallspray cotoneaster growing up a wall in the garden.

18. Spreading

A deciduous species with a rounded , arc growth habit , the spreading cotoneaster , C. divaricatus , is noted for its attractive , densely branched shape that produce up to six foot with a spread of six to eight feet .

pocket-sized pink flower are showy in late spring followed by vivacious ruby Berry , and the glossy green leaves move around furbish tincture of orange and red in fall .

Widely used for barriers , border , hedges , silver screen , or group on banks and slopes , plants are hardy in Zones 4 - 7 .

A close up horizontal image of C. pannosus growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

19. Tree

One of the best change for breeding into a standard Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree physical body , C. frigidusis a large , deciduous to semi - evergreen shrub that hit a fledged tiptop and spread of 15 to 20 foot , with more thickset cultivars available as well .

Large , hanging corymbs of modest bloodless flower seem in late spring , follow by dense cluster of bright ruddy Berry . The elliptic , veined leaves can grow shades of yellow in fall as well .

Excellent to prune and plume as a monetary standard , for usage as hedge , and along fencing pedigree , the stems are also used for basketry . The tree cotoneaster is unfearing in Zones 6 - 9 .

A close up horizontal image of spreading cotoneaster growing in the garden with small pinkish flower buds.

20. Waterer’s

A vigorous evergreen plant or semi - evergreen bush with dark green , oval leaves , C.xwatereri , or Waterer ’s cotoneaster , has a height and spread of 16 feet .

This intercrossed variety , bred by John Waterer , nurseryman in the UK , is a hybridisation betweenC. frigidusandC. salicifolius .

Large clustering of white flowers show in early summer and produce an abundant show of red coral to bright scarlet Charles Edward Berry .

A close up horizontal image of bright red clusters of berries of C. frigidus growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine on a soft focus background.

suited for planting as privacy barrier , borderline , hedges , screen , and windbreaks . Waterer ’s cotoneaster is hardy in Zones 7 - 10 , another well choice for warm regions .

21. Willowleaf

An evergreen plant to semi - evergreen bush , C. salicifoliusis a vigorous spreader with elegant , arching branches that have a height and spread of 12 to 15 feet . stocky cultivars are usable as well .

Abundant corymb of white flush are followed by sizeable clusters of ruby Chuck Berry . The singular foliage is deeply vein , with shaft - comparable folio that take on yellow and cerise feeling in downslope and burgundy shade in stale wintertime weather .

Hardy in Zones 6 - 8 , these shrubs make handsome borders , hedges , or screens , and nanus cultivars are popular as ground covers .

A close up horizontal image of Waterer’s cotoneaster growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine on a soft focus background.

From Bonsai to Windbreaks

Appealing , easy to cultivate , and versatile , cotoneaster provides multiple seasons of interest that can be used in a wide reach of garden setting .

From barrier and ground plow to hedging and shelterbelt , these hardworking plants do it all – they ’re even pop asbonsai plant !

And for more know - how on growingornamental shrubsin your garden , be indisputable to read these articles next :

A close up horizontal image of a large shrub with bright red fruit growing in the garden, pictured on a soft focus background.

© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL right RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Cartesian product exposure via Home Depot and Nature Hills Nursery . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock .

About

Lorna Kring