Species rock cotoneaster
red fruits with light-green leaves on gray-brown twigs and branches

rock cotoneaster

Cotoneaster horizontalis

The rock cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) is an amazing species of plant, displaying magnificent beauty year round. Its leaves turn to an attractive bright red in the fall, and small white flowers bloom in spring and summer. It produces a large abundance of dark berries in late summer that can attract birds and other wildlife. The arching branches of rock cotoneaster can provide excellent protection for garden beds, and its low maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for novice gardeners. It is also extremely drought tolerant and fast growing. All in all, rock cotoneaster is an attractive, low-maintenance species that can bring beauty and life to your garden!

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings,Greenwood Cuttings,Hardwood Cuttings

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 7

Flowers:

Pink Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

red Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Water regularly, keeping the soil lightly moist but not soggy. Water when the top few inches of the soil become slightly dry to the touch - about once every 1-2 weeks in the summer, and about once a month in the winter. In very hot climates, water more frequently to keep the soil from drying out too quickly. Make sure the soil is well drained and has adequate air circulation.

sunlight

Rock cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) is a deciduous plant species that grows in a shrub-like form. It requires at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day. For optimal growth, this deciduous species does best with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, during peak growing season (spring to late summer). During the cooler winter months, this plant will still need a minimum of 4 hours of full sunlight. If the plant is grown in a windy location, some light protection such as a wind screen or wall may be necessary during peak growing season. During the summer months, this plant should be shielded from the hottest portion of the day and can take partial shade during that time.

pruning

Rock cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) should be pruned in early spring, before the leaves of the plant emerge. Pruning should be kept light to moderate, removing only 1/3 of the stems at a time. If the plant becomes overcrowded, more aggressive pruning may be needed. When pruning, always use clean, sharp gardening tools. Removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be done before any other pruning. Keep the center of the shrub open so light can penetrate. Rock cotoneaster may respond to heading back of the stems; however, when doing so, always prune back to healthy shoots.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Cotoneaster horizontalis is in late summer and early fall, typically from August to October.

Starts Flowering

Rock cotoneaster typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Cotoneaster horizontalis is in late summer and early fall, typically from August to October.

Hardiness Map