What is the problem with cotoneaster?
Cotoneasters are relatively trouble free, but they can be susceptible to the fungal disease fireblight. If it’s spotted, prune away and dispose of any affected growth, cutting a good distance away from the affected area, and disinfect your secateurs before moving on to prune any other plants. The most common problem with cotoneasters is mites. These pests suck plant juices causing the leaves to look speckled and in severe cases brown and fall off. These are a common problem during hot dry summers. Spray the plants with a strong blast of water to help control the mites.There are two species of moths with caterpillars that can cause defoliation of Cotoneaster horizontalis and some other plants. The affected parts of the plant are covered in silk webbing produced by the caterpillars and the leaves turn brown as they are grazed.The most common problem with cotoneasters is mites. These pests suck plant juices causing the leaves to look speckled and in severe cases brown and fall off. These are a common problem during hot dry summers. Spray the plants with a strong blast of water to help control the mites.
What are the benefits of cotoneaster?
About the Cotoneaster Makes an ideal hedge, is attractive in a rock garden or spilling over a rock wall, easily adaptable ground or sloping bank cover to reduce erosion, and their berries support songbirds. If your cotoneaster is older and has outgrown its space, it might be better to give it a hard prune rather than moving it.If your cotoneaster is older and has outgrown its space, it might be better to give it a hard prune rather than moving it. If you need to move a large shrub, preparation is key.Cotoneasters are usually relatively tolerant of hard pruning, though flowering and berries may be reduced after a hard cutback.
How do you care for cotoneaster horizontalis?
How to care for Cotoneaster horizontalis: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Cotoneaster tolerates poor or dry soils once established but benefits from improved soil with added organic matter at planting time. Space well to allow for its spreading habit and air circulation around the base. Many organisations, including Wildlife Trusts, are committed to the removal of this invasive plant in order to allow our native wildlife to thrive. Cotoneaster horizontalis is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive species.Cotoneaster horizontalis is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive species. This does not mean you cannot grow it in your garden but we encourage gardeners to think carefully about its potential impact on wildlife and to consider alternatives.
How do you treat cotoneaster disease?
If infection is not extensive over the plant, some control may be obtained by pruning of affected branches; pruning tools should be disinfected by dipping in dilute alcohol or dilute bleach between cuts. Severity of disease may be reduced by avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization. If the infection reaches the main trunk, the disease cannot be cured and the tree will eventually die. If this happens, it’s best to remove the entire tree along with the stump. This will eliminate one source of bacteria for the rest of the susceptible plants in the area.