How to Grow Cotoneaster Apiculatus - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Cotoneaster apiculatus is a small, slow-growing, deciduous shrub that is native to Europe and Asia. It has a spreading habit and can reach up to 6 feet in height and 8 feet in width. The leaves are oval-shaped, green, and 1-2 inches long. The flowers are white and appear in spring. The fruit is red and ripens in summer.

How to Grow Cotoneaster Apiculatus - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Crataegus monogyna
  • Crataegus oxyacantha
  • Cotoneaster integerrimus
  • Cotoneaster pannosus
  • Cotoneaster frigidus

Good to Know

  • Cotoneaster apiculatus is a shrub that is native to China.
  • It is a member of the rose family.
  • It is an evergreen shrub.
  • It has dark green leaves.
  • It has white flowers.
  • The flowers are followed by bright red berries.
  • It can grow to a height of 6 feet.
  • It prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • It is drought tolerant.
  • It is deer resistant.

Related plant:
Cotoneaster Salicifolius

How to Grow

  1. For cotoneaster apiculatus, first step is to find a good location. It should be in full sun or partial shade. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
  2. The next step is to prepare the planting bed. loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches (30 cm). Add some organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Work it into the soil.
  3. Next, it is time to plant your cotoneaster apiculatus. Space the plants about 6 inches (15 cm) apart.
  4. After planting, water the area thoroughly.
  5. For the next few weeks, keep the area weed free and watered.
  6. Once the plants are established, they will need little care. Once in awhile, you can prune them to shape.
  7. Cotoneaster apiculatus will flower in late spring or early summer. The flowers are white and borne in clusters.
  8. In late summer or early fall, the plants will produce small, red berries.
  9. Birds love these berries and will often strip the plants of them.
  10. Enjoy your cotoneaster apiculatus!

Related plant:
Cotoneaster Varieties

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, cotoneaster apiculatus prefers well-drained, sandy loam to clay soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It is tolerant of poor soils, but performs best in fertile ones. It does not do well in wet soils.

Light condition

Just like other cotoneasters, the apiculatus does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially during the hot summer months. It is an adaptable plant that is not too fussy about soil type as long as it is well-drained. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for the cotoneaster apiculatus is that it should be between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The cotoneaster apiculatus is native to Asia, and can be found in Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of China. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 6 feet tall. The cotoneaster apiculatus has small, white flowers that bloom in the spring, and small, red berries that appear in the fall.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity of the environment is too high or too low, the growth of the plant will be affected.High humidity can cause the leaves to yellow and drop off, and low humidity can cause the leaves to become dry and brown.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant doesn't need too much help. If the plant is getting too much water, that's when you see the leaves start to yellow and that's an indication you're giving it too much fertilizer or water, or both. If you see the leaves yellowing, you can ease off a little on the fertilizer or water. Also, when you're finished fertilizing for the season, give the plant a good rinse with water to remove any fertilizer salt buildup on the leaves. As for the roots, they don't like to be disturbed, so if you're moving the plant, be very careful not to damage the roots.

Light requirement

Pruning cotoneaster apiculatus is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This plant responds well to pruning and can be shaped as desired. Remove any diseased, damaged, or wayward branches first. Then, thin out the plant by removing some of the older branches to allow new growth room to develop. Finally, cut back any remaining branches by 1/3 to 1/2 their length.

The Propagation

Propagation of Cotoneaster apiculatus can be done by rooting softwood cuttings taken from the plant in early to mid-summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be 4-6 inches long. Cuttings can be taken from semi-ripe wood in late summer. These cuttings should be 6-8 inches long. The bottom 2 inches of the cutting should be buried in a potting mix that is moist but well-drained. The pot should be placed in indirect light and the cuttings should be kept moist. Rooting should occur in 4-6 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate at a moderate to rapid rate, depending on the species. They are generally fast-growing when young, but slow down as they age. Some can even become quite leggy if not pruned back regularly.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Root rot is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, which leads to fungal growth. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to appear covered in a white, powdery growth. Leaf spot is caused by a variety of fungi and bacteria, which leads to brown or black spots on the leaves. These problems can be prevented by ensuring that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and by avoiding over-watering.

Tips on Growing

  • If you are growing cotoneaster apiculatus from seed, start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
  • Sow the seeds on the surface of a sterile seed starting mix and lightly press them into the mix.
  • Keep the seed starting mix moist but not wet and place the container in a warm location.
  • Cotoneaster apiculatus seeds will usually germinate within 2-4 weeks.
  • Once the seedlings have emerged, transplant them into individual pots filled with a well-drained potting mix.
  • Grow the seedlings under bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist but not wet.
  • When the seedlings are 4-6 inches tall, transplant them into the garden in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Space the plants 18-24 inches apart.
  • Cotoneaster apiculatus is

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Source:
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