Plant Library

Other Names:  Bearberry Cotoneaster

Description:

One of the best low spreading groundcovers, featuring white flowers in spring and showy coral pink fruit in fall; evergreen leaves require adequate snow cover or protection from winter sun and wind in exposed locations

Ornamental Features

Coral Beauty Cotoneaster is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. It features an abundance of magnificent coral-pink berries from late summer to late fall. It features tiny clusters of white flowers along the branches in late spring. It has dark green evergreen foliage. The small glossy oval leaves turn an outstanding brick red in the fall, which persists throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Coral Beauty Cotoneaster is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects

Coral Beauty Cotoneaster is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Coral Beauty Cotoneaster will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.