Cotoneaster coral beauty is a plant that belongs to the rose family. It is a deciduous shrub that is native to parts of Europe and Asia. The plant is characterized by its ovate leaves and clusters of small, white flowers. The fruit of the plant is a red berry that is loved by many birds.
Related plant:
Cotoneaster Salicifolius
Related plant:
Cotoneaster Cornubia
About soil condition, cotoneaster coral beauty prefers well-drained soil, and it's tolerant of drought once established. It also does well in average to poor soil, according to the University of California Extension. The plant doesn't have high nutrient needs and is not particular about soil type, as long as the drainage is good.
Like the other cotoneasters, the coral beauty cotoneaster shrub requires full sun to partial sun in order to maintain its health and to produce its beautiful flowers. While it does require sunlight, it is also tolerant of some shade, which makes it a versatile plant for many gardeners. It is important to choose a planting location carefully as the shrub can become overgrown and leggy if it does not receive enough sun.
The temperature conditions for cotoneaster coral beauty are cool to cold. They thrive in areas that have an average temperature of 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate brief periods of time outside of this range, but they will not survive long-term exposure to extreme heat or cold.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the plant will start to experience stress and may drop leaves. If the humidity rises above 60%, the plant may start to experience powdery mildew.
About fertilizer, this type of plant requires little to no fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. The best way to fertilize your cotoneaster is to add a layer of compost around the base of the plant in early spring. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow and spread out wide, so be sure to water them deeply and regularly.
Pruning cotoneaster coral beauty is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. You can remove up to one-third of the plant's total height and width during pruning. Cut back each stem to a healthy bud or lateral branch. If the plant is overgrown, you can prune more aggressively to rejuvenate it.
Propagation is best achieved through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from young, healthy growth and should be 4-6 inches long. Cuttings should be taken from thecurrent year's growth and should have 2-3 leaves. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cutting into rooting hormone. Place the cutting into a pot filled with moistened potting mix. The pot should have good drainage and be covered with plastic to maintain humidity. Place the pot in a bright, sunny location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not wet and in 6-8 weeks the cutting should have rooted and be ready to transplant.
Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be slow when compared to other plants. However, there are a few things you can do to help it along. Fertilize in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer and make sure the plant is getting enough water. If you live in an area with a lot of wind, you may want to stake the plant to help keep it from getting damaged.
Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, black root rot, and crown gall. These problems are mainly caused by fungi or bacteria. To prevent these problems, it is important to plant cotoneaster coral beauty in well-drained soil and to avoid overhead watering.
Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Cotoneaster dammeri 'Coral Beauty'
Cotoneaster horizontalis (Rockspray, Rockspray Cotoneaster)
Cotoneaster apiculatus (Cotoneaster, Cranberry Cotoneaster)
