Cotoneaster apiculatus (Cranberry Cotoneaster)
Brightening the winter landscape, Cotoneaster apiculatus (Cranberry Cotoneaster) is a dense, spreading, deciduous shrub with stiffly arching branches studded with small, rounded, wavy-edge, glossy green leaves. The foliage turns attractive shades of purple, red and bronze in fall. Small, pink flowers are produced in late spring. They are followed by large, cranberry-like berries which ripen to bright red in late summer to fall, and persist into winter.
Brightening the winter landscape, Cotoneaster apiculatus (Cranberry Cotoneaster) is a dense, spreading, deciduous shrub with stiffly arching branches studded with small, rounded, wavy-edge, glossy green leaves. The foliage turns attractive shades of purple, red and bronze in fall. Small, pink flowers are produced in late spring. They are followed by large, cranberry-like berries which ripen to bright red in late summer to fall, and persist into winter. Spectacular, they provide one of the most cheering sights in the winter garden. Easy to grow, Cranberry Cotoneaster makes a very attractive ground cover or low hedge with its branches forming impenetrable tangles. Tolerant of salt spray, it is also a fine choice for coastal gardens.
- Grows up in a bushy, densely-branched shrub up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm).
- A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor soils. Salt spray and urban pollution tolerant.
- Excellent ground cover. Perfect for banks and slopes (erosion control), hedges and screens or cascading over walls.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for spider mites and fireblight. Rabbit resistant.
- Prune to shape as needed.
- Propagate by rooted stem cuttings or seeds.
- Native to southwestern China.
- Fruit may cause mild stomach upset if ingested
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 7 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Cotoneaster |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spread | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
| Spacing | 36″ – 72″ (90cm – 180cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Fruit & Berries |
| Tolerance | Rabbit, Salt |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Ground Covers, Hedges and Screens |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |