Spreading Cotoneaster

Growth habit

Shrub

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

China

Location

Comstock Knoll and Rhododendron Collection, Zucker Shrub Collection

Source of plant

Hicks' Nursery, Bailey Nurseries, Lake County Nursery Inc., Edgewood Nursery

Description

Spreading, multi-stemmed shrub of rounded outline, outer branches are long and slender, and tend to droop, creating a fine appearance. Plants 5-6' tall, 6-8' wide. Dark glossy green leaves; unexcelled for summer leaf color; fall color outstanding, with leaves changing to fluorescent yellow-red-purple combinations, which persist for 4-6 weeks. Flowers rose, solitary or in threes, late May to June, not spectacular, somewhat masked by the foliage. Fruit red to dark red, early September through November, one of the handsomest of the Chinese cotoneaster, but not overwhelming from long distances.

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Special characteristics

fall color, fruiting characteristics, growth habit, notable texture