Cotoneaster

Family. Rosaceae.

Where does it grow? North hemisphere.

Description. Cotoneasters are deciduous or evergreen shrubs with a height of 50 cm to 5 m, depending on the species. Stems creeping or erect, thin, spreading. The leaves are glossy, simple, dark green, arranged alternately, 1 - 15 cm long, ovate or round, sometimes lanceolate. The flowers are small, white or cream, pink, with 5 petals, single or in large inflorescences - corymbs. After flowering, orange-red, burgundy and even black, oblong berries with a diameter of 5 - 10 mm appear on the plant, which can remain on the plant until the next season. In autumn, in deciduous species, the leaves turn yellow or red and fall off.

Height. From 50 cm to 5 m.

Temperature

Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, including frosts down to -20° C.

Lighting

Most species prefer full sun, but some grow well in partial shade. 

Care and pruning

Ground cover plants need to remove diseased and weak shoots. Deciduous cotoneasters are cleared of dead leaves and berries. In dwarf species, dead branches are removed in early spring. Tall specimens are cut to the required size to maintain a compact shape immediately after flowering. Too dense a crown should be thinned out.

Substrate

Cotoneasters adapt to most soils with good drainage and grow well in nutrient-poor soils. 

Feeding

During the growing season, feed monthly.

Purpose

Depends on the specific species. Low-growing varieties can be used as groundcover, while other types of cotoneaster are suitable for growing as bonsai.

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

If you have an evergreen bush, periodically spray its leaves in winter, as the air in the room becomes too dry when the heating is on.

Soil moisture

Water the cotoneaster regularly during the first year of life, as during this time the plant builds up its root system. Adult specimens are more drought-resistant. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering depending on the temperature. Bushes with fallen leaves should simply be protected from drying out.

Transplanting

As they grow, replant in the spring, adult specimens approximately once every 2 years. When replanting, trim off weak and damaged roots. 

Propagation by cuttings

Stem cuttings are rooted in spring or summer. The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings, and the base is sprinkled with root-forming powder. Ground cover species are propagated by air layering, bending the stems to the ground and securing them with pins. Seeds, which often self-sow around the plant.

Pests and diseases

Leaf spotting and rotting due to waterlogging.

Pests include aphids, scale insects and spider mites. When grown in open ground, the plant can be attacked by pests such as apple moth and yellow bear.