Cotoneaster Horizontalis

Cotoneaster Horizontalis

Why Buy Me?

• Ideal for ground cover
• Will form a low growing hedge
• Fruit provides food for birds

Growing Conditions

• Light: Thrives in full sun; tolerates partial shade, though berry and flower production may be reduced.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerant of a wide range of soil types including chalk, loam, and sand; pH can be acidic, neutral, or alkaline.

• Exposure: Suitable for sheltered or exposed sites; very hardy and wind-tolerant; tolerates urban pollution and coastal conditions.

• Drought Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established, though occasional watering in prolonged dry periods is beneficial.

Cultivation & Care

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn for optimal root development.

• Spacing: Space plants 1–1.5 metres (3–5 feet) apart for groundcover or wall-side planting.

• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, minimal watering is required.

• Fertilization: Not typically needed, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can encourage strong growth in poor soils.

• Mulching: Apply a 5 cm (2 inch) layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, especially when young.

• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and maintain shape. Can be lightly trimmed after flowering if necessary.

• Propagation: Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering.

Seasonal Interest

• Spring: Small, pinkish-white flowers bloom along distinctive herringbone-patterned branches, attracting pollinators.

• Summer: Glossy, dark green leaves provide lush groundcover or wall coverage; berries begin to form.

• Autumn: Bright red berries ripen and persist into winter; leaves turn shades of orange, red, or purple before falling.

• Winter: Deciduous, but the red berries often remain, providing winter interest and food for birds.

Wildlife & Garden Use

• Wildlife: Attracts bees and other pollinators when in flower; berries are a valuable food source for birds in autumn and winter.

• Garden Use: Ideal for groundcover, slopes, wall-side planting, rock gardens, and small urban spaces. Suitable for low hedging and training against walls or banks.

• Companion Plants: Works well with ornamental grasses, low-growing perennials, and dwarf conifers for contrast in texture and form.

Transform your home and garden with Cotoneaster Horizontalis —a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.