Maintenance Landscaping Design

Cotoneaster shrub is a plant that is native to China and Japan. It is a member of the rose family and is related to the crabapple. The cotoneaster shrub is an evergreen and has small, white flowers that bloom in the spring. The fruit of the cotoneaster shrub is a red berry that is poisonous to humans but is popular with birds.

Alternative name

• Cotoneaster horizontalis
  
• Cotoneaster Dammeri
  
• Cotoneaster pannosus
  
• Cotoneaster simonsii
  
• Cotoneaster integerrimus

Common Knowledge

• Cotoneaster shrubs are beautiful, hardy plants that offer a variety of benefits to the home landscape.
  
• They are relatively low-maintenance, easy to grow, and tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
  
• Cotoneaster shrubs can be used as foundation plants, specimen plants, or hedge plants.
  
• They come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, so there is sure to be a cotoneaster shrub to fit any garden need.
  
• Cotoneaster shrubs are known for their abundance of small, white flowers that bloom in the spring.
  
• The flowers are followed by small, round, red or black berries that are enjoyed by birds and other wildlife.
  
• The foliage of cotoneaster shrubs is typically dark green, but some varieties feature variegated leaves.
  
• Cotoneaster shrubs are generally deer resistant and are not favored by rabbits or other common garden pests.
  
• These shrubs can be propagated by seed, softwood cuttings, or hardwood cuttings.
  
• Cotoneaster shrubs can be susceptible to a number of diseases and pests, but proper care will help to prevent problems.

Related plant:
Cotoneaster Salicifolius

Planting Process

1. For cotoneaster shrub, first step is to find a location where the plant will receive full sun or partial sun for at least six hours each day.
   
2. The next step is to clear the area of all debris and weeds.
   
3. The third step is to till the soil to a depth of about six inches.
   
4. Next, you will need to add some organic matter to the soil such as compost or manure.
   
5. After the organic matter has been incorporated into the soil, you are ready to plant your cotoneaster shrub.
   
6. When planting, be sure to dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant's root ball.
   
7. Once the hole has been dug, you can place the plant into the hole and backfill it with soil.
   
8. Once the plant is in the ground, water it well.
   
9. The final step is to add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
   
10. You should monitor the plant regularly and water as needed.

Related plant:
Cotoneaster Berries

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, cotoneaster shrub prefers well-drained, loamy soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is not too particular about soil type, but does not do well in overly wet or poorly drained soils. This shrub is also tolerant of clay soil.

Light requirement

Like the other plants, cotoneaster shrubs need sunlight to grow and stay healthy. However, how much sunlight they need depends on the specific type of cotoneaster shrub. Some types need full sun, which means they need to be in an area that gets direct sunlight for most of the day. Other types can tolerate partial sun, which means they need some direct sunlight but can also grow in an area that has some shade.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the cotoneaster shrub is one that is cool and moist. This shrub prefers temperatures that are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate some cold, but not freezing temperatures. It also does not do well in hot and dry conditions.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40 to 60%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to turn yellow and fall off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to droop and the plant will not be able to produce new growth.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this plant prefers a high-phosphorus fertilizer in early spring. A general-purpose fertilizer can be used later in the season. For best results, use a fertilizer specifically formulated for cotoneasters. The root system of cotoneasters is generally shallow, so they benefit from a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and moderate soil temperatures. An organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, is ideal. Keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk of the plant to prevent collar rot.

Light requirement

Pruning a cotoneaster shrub is a simple process that can be done with a pair of sharp pruning shears. First, remove any dead or damaged branches by cutting them back to the point of healthy growth. Next, cut back any leggy growth to promote a fuller, more compact shape. Finally, trim back any branches that are rubbing against each other or crossing over one another.

Plant Propagation

Propagation : Cotoneaster can be propagated by seed, softwood or semi-ripe cuttings, or layering. Seed: Sow seed in a cold frame in early spring. Protect from birds. When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into individual pots. Softwood cuttings: Take cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer. rooting hormone will improve strike rate. Place in individual pots filled with a moistened, well-drained potting mix. Place in a propagator or seal the pot inside a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity. Semi-ripe cuttings: Take cuttings from new growth in mid to late summer. Cuttings should be taken from the base of the plant, just above a leaf node. Use a sharp knife or garden shears. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a moistened, well-drained potting mix. Place in a propagator or seal the pot inside a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity. Layering: Layering is best done in late spring or early summer. Choose a low-growing branch and strip off the leaves from a section of the stem. Make a small slit in the soil beneath the plant and lay the stem on top,weighting it down with a stone if necessary. Cover the wound with soil and keep the area moist. Roots should form within a few weeks. Once roots have formed, sever the stem from the plant and pot up.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, with some species growing more than 3 feet in a single season. However, some cotoneaster shrubs are slow growers, only reaching 1 to 2 feet in height over the course of several years.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, leaf spot, and fireblight. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause the leaves of the cotoneaster shrub to turn yellow and drop off. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes spots on the leaves of the cotoneaster shrub. Fireblight is a bacterial disease that can kill the leaves, stems, and flowers of the cotoneaster shrub.

Basics of Growing

• If you are growing cotoneaster shrub from seed, sow the seeds in late fall or early winter.
  
• Choose a sunny spot to plant your cotoneaster shrub.
  
• Prepare the planting site by loosening the soil and removing any weeds.
  
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of your plant.
  
• Place the cotoneaster shrub in the hole and backfill with soil.
  
• Water the plant deeply after planting.
  
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  
• Prune your cotoneaster shrub in late winter or early spring to promote new growth.
  
• Fertilize your plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Watch for possible pests or diseases and take action accordingly.

Alternative Plants

• Cotoneaster acutifolius
  
• Cotoneaster bacillaris
  
• Cotoneaster bullatus
  
• Cotoneaster callosa
  
• Cotoneaster conspicuus
  
• Cotoneaster divaricatus
  
• Cotoneaster franchettii
  
• Cotoneaster frigidus
  
• Cotoneaster horizontalis
  
• Cotoneaster integerrimus
  

Source:
Cotoneaster divaricatus (Spreading Cotoneaster) | North Carolina ...
Cotoneaster lucidus | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Cotoneaster…