Maintenance Landscaping Design

Cotoneaster is a flowering plant in the rose family, native to europe and asia. it is a low-growing shrub with small, round leaves and pretty white or pink flowers in springtime. in fall, the cotoneaster's leaves turn a beautiful red, orange, or yellow. the berries that follow are red, orange, or black, and they are an important food source for many birds. cotoneaster is a popular plant for gardeners because it is so easy to care for and it is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions.

Alternative name

• Cotoneaster humilis
  
• Cotoneaster horizontalis
  
• Cotoneaster microphyllus
  
• Cotoneaster multiflorus
  
• Cotoneaster pannonicus

Things to Know

• Cotoneaster is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, native to the paler parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
  
• The name Cotoneaster is derived from the Latin words cotoneum (meaning quince) and -aster (meaning resembling), referring to the similarity of its fruit to that of the quince.
  
• Cotoneaster is a large genus, with over 50 species and hundreds of cultivars.
  
• Cotoneasters are mostly low-growing shrubs, although a few are trees. They are found in a wide range of habitats, from alpine regions to rocky shores.
  
• The leaves of most Cotoneaster species are simple, often with serrated margins, and are arranged in opposite pairs on the stem.
  
• The flowers are small and white, and are borne in clusters. The fruit is a small, fleshy pome, often red or black.
  
• Many Cotoneaster species are planted as ornamentals for their attractive fruits, flowers, and foliage.
  
• Cotoneaster species are also used as food plants by a number of Lepidoptera species, including the short-cloaked moth.
  
• Some Cotoneaster species are invasive, particularly in North America.
  
• Cotoneaster is sometimes spelled "Cotonaster".

Related plant:
Cotoneaster Salicifolius

Planting Process

1. For cotoneaster, first step is to choose the right spot and prepare the soil. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
   
2. Add organic matter to the soil to help improve drainage.
   
3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
4. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down lightly.
   
5. Water the plant well to help it get established.
   
6. Mulch around the plant to help keep the roots cool and moist.
   
7. Fertilize the plant yearly with a balanced fertilizer.
   
8. Prune the plant yearly to shape it and encourage new growth.
   
9. Watch for pests and diseases and treat as needed.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful cotoneaster!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, cotoneaster prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate a range of soil types and conditions. It is tolerant of drought, but not of wet, mucky soils. It can be found growing in both sun and shade, but does best in full sun.

Light condition

Just like other plants, cotoneaster will do best if it gets enough sun. If you live in an area with very hot summers, you might want to give your cotoneaster a little afternoon shade. Six hours of sun a day is probably the minimum amount of sun this plant needs, but it will do fine with more sun than that.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a cotoneaster to grow in is a warm climate. Cotoneasters can withstand cold weather, but they will not flower or produce fruit in these conditions. The ideal temperature range for a cotoneaster to grow in is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will wrinkle and the plant will drop its buds and flowers. If the air is too humid, the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant does not require too much. In fact, over-fertilizing can lead to more problems than benefits. A light feeding in early spring, before new growth begins, is all that is necessary. If you want to give your cotoneaster a little extra nourishment, you can top-dress with compost or well-rotted manure in late spring or early summer. As for the roots, they are generally deep and not very aggressive, so they are not likely to damage sidewalks or foundations.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your cotoneaster healthy and looking its best. When and how you prune will depend on the type of cotoneaster you have. Most types need little pruning, except to remove any dead or diseased branches. However, if you want to encourage bushier growth or keep your cotoneaster a certain shape, you will need to do some light pruning each year. The best time to prune your cotoneaster is in early spring, before new growth begins.

The Propagation

Propagation of cotoneaster is typically done through softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Cuttings should be taken from the outside of the plant, as new growth will be of the best quality. After taking the cuttings, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and water well. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. Cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, transplant to individual pots and grow until large enough to plant in the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the species. For example, the dwarf cotoneaster grows at a slow to medium rate of around 6 inches (15 cm.) a year, while the spreading cotoneaster can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm.) annually. Ultimately, the best way to determine a cotoneaster growth rate is to consult a professional or reference book.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, spider mites, and aphids. These problems are often seen in poorly drained or too wet conditions. Spider mites can be a big problem if the plant is not kept clean and free of debris. Aphids can be a problem if the plant is not kept free of debris and has a lot of old, dying leaves.

Basics of Growing

• Make sure to plant cotoneaster in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
  
• Cotoneaster thrives in well-drained soil.
  
• When watering cotoneaster, be sure to water at the base of the plant and not from above to avoid wetting the foliage.
  
• Fertilize cotoneaster plants twice a year - once in the spring and once in the fall - using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• To encourage more flowers and fruits, prune cotoneaster plants after they have bloomed in the spring.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, such as aphids, scale, and powdery mildew, and treat accordingly.
  
• Harvest cotoneaster fruits when they are red and ripe.
  
• Cotoneaster plants can be propagated via softwood cuttings taken in the spring.
  
• Divide cotoneaster

Alternative Plants

• Cotoneaster acuminata --> cotoneaster
  
• Cotoneaster amoenus --> cotoneaster
  
• Cotoneastera --> cotoneaster
  
• Cotoneaster acutifolius --> cotoneaster
  
• Cotoneaster coriaceus --> cotoneaster
  
• Cotoneaster salicifolius --> cotoneaster
  
• Cotoneaster cornubiensis --> cotoneaster
  
• Cotoneaster fortunei --> cotoneaster
  
• Cotoneaster bullata --> cotoneaster
  
• Cotoneaster multiflorus --> cotoneaster
  

Source:
Cotoneaster: A Safe and Easy Way to Reduce Neonatal Jaundice - academia.edu
Cotoneasters | ClipPix ETC: Educational Photos for Students and …
Parney's Cotoneaster - Cotoneaster lacteus - PNW Plants