How to Grow Cotoneaster Berries - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Cotoneaster berries is a plant that is native to Europe and Asia. The plant is known for its berries, which are red or black in color. The berries are used in various pies and cakes. The plant is also used in folk medicine.

How to Grow Cotoneaster Berries - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Hawthorn (Crataegus punctata)
  • Sloe (Prunus spinosa)
  • Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
  • serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
  • quince (Cydonia oblonga)

Common Knowledge

  • Cotoneaster berries are a type of fruit that grow on the cotoneaster plant.
  • They are small and round, and can range in color from red to black.
  • The berries are poisonous to humans, but are a favorite food of many birds.
  • Cotoneaster berries are often used in landscaping, as they are attractive to birds and add color to the yard.
  • The plants can be invasive, so it is important to take care when planting them.
  • Cotoneaster berries can be used to make jelly, syrup, or wine.
  • The plants can be susceptible to disease, so it is important to keep an eye on them.
  • Cotoneaster berries are a good source of antioxidants.
  • They can be used fresh, or dried and stored for later use.
  • When planting cotoneaster, it is important to choose a location that has well-drained soil.

Related plant:
Cotoneaster Salicifolius

Growing Steps

  1. For cotoneaster berries, first step is find a healthy cotoneaster plant.
  2. Inspect the plant for any pests or diseases.
  3. Make sure the plant has well-draining soil.
  4. Place the plant in an area that receives full sun.
  5. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.
  6. Apply a balanced fertilizer to the cotoneaster plant in early spring.
  7. Prune the cotoneaster plant as needed to keep it looking tidy.
  8. The cotoneaster plant will produce berries in the fall.
  9. Enjoy the cotoneaster berries!
  10. Remember to mulch the plant in late fall to protect it from the cold winter weather.

Related plant:
Cotoneaster Apiculatus

Soil Condition

About soil condition, cotoneaster prefers well-drained, somewhat dry soil, but will also grow in average, slightly moist soil. It is tolerant of poor soil, but not of wet soil. It will not grow in shade.

Light condition

So, like the other cotoneaster trees, cotoneaster berries require full sun to partial sun in order to produce the best berries. If you have a cotoneaster tree that is not in an area that gets full sun, you may not get as many berries as you would like. The amount of sun that your cotoneaster tree gets will also affect the size of the berries.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of cotoneaster berries is a warm temperature. The plant grows best in warm weather and can tolerate some cold weather. However, if the temperature gets too cold, the plant will not produce as many berries.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this family of plant usually requires a lot of organic matter in the soil to keep the roots healthy. The roots are very sensitive to the chemicals in the soil and can be easily damaged. A good rule of thumb is to use a fertilizer with a low nitrogen content.

Plant Pruning

Pruning cotoneaster is important to prevent the plant from getting too large. It is also important to remove any dead or diseased branches. When pruning, be sure to cut back to a healthy bud or branch.

The Propagation

Propagation of cotoneaster is typically done through rooting of soft wood cuttings taken from the plant in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should be taken from new growth that is just beginning to harden off. After taking the cuttings, strip off the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a potting mix designed for starting cuttings and water well. Place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Rooting should occur in 4-6 weeks. Once the roots are established, the new plants can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is quite fast. They can add 2 to 3 feet of growth each year and will often live for 20 to 30 years. The berries on a cotoneaster plant are typically a deep red, but can also be pink, orange, or yellow. These berries are not only beautiful, but they are also a great food source for birds.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow and fall off the plant. Also, the plant may not produce as many berries as it should. If you notice any of these problems, you should consult with a plant expert to determine the cause and find a solution.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to water your cotoneaster regularly, especially when the weather is hot and dry.
  • Feed your plant with a high-potassium fertilizer every few weeks to encourage plentiful berry production.
  • Prune your cotoneaster every year to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too large.
  • Place your cotoneaster in a sunny spot in your garden for best results.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases such as aphids, scale insects, and powdery mildew. Treat appropriately if necessary.
  • Pick the berries when they are ripe and use them fresh, or freeze them for later use.
  • Be sure to clean up any fallen berries from around the base of the plant to prevent rot.
  • cotoneaster does not tolerate salt well, so avoid planting it in areas where salt spray from the ocean is a concern.
  • This plant

Alternative Plants

  • Cotoneaster: small to medium-sized shrubs with simple, ovate leaves and corymbs or panicles of small white or pinkish flowers, followed by red, purple or black berries.
  • Crataegus: small to large deciduous trees or shrubs with simple, serrate or lobed leaves and white or pink flowers, followed by orange or red berries.
  • Pyracantha: evergreen shrubs with simple, sharp-toothed leaves and clusters of small, white or cream flowers, followed by orange, red or black berries.
  • Ilex: evergreen trees or shrubs with simple, serrate or lobed leaves and small, white, greenish or yellow flowers, followed by red, orange or black berries.
  • Photinia: evergreen trees or shrubs with simple, serrate or lobed leaves and white or pink flowers, followed by bright red berries.

Source:
Cotoneaster dammeri · bearberry cotoneaster - Stanford University
Cotoneaster lacteus, red clusterberry | Trees of Stanford & Environs
Eichholz Cotoneaster - Cotoneaster dammeri 'Eichholz' - PNW …

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category