How wide is Cotoneaster horizontalis?
Rockspray cotoneaster is a coarse, dense, slow-growing, shrub that reaches 2-3 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. The Latin name which includes horizontalis refers to its horizontal spreading habit. 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 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. While Cotoneaster can grow on fairly barren areas like limestone slopes in coastal regions, their roots can establish deep into the ground which can be difficult to remove without excavation.Cotoneaster mostly spreads via seed expulsion, but more so by birds following digestion of the berries, which means the plant can spread a great distance. The shrubs are hardy and can live up to 50 years if not controlled.Many species grow into dense thickets, and the cotoneaster root system is woody, deep and tough. Often it becomes necessary to call upon professionals to remove larger areas of established cotoneaster and cotoneaster roots.Culture Notes. This groundcover cotoneaster grows best in well drained soil, but it will tolerate sandy soil and clay. It will flower and fruit most heavily in full sun, but still give a good show in light or open shade.
What is the problem with Cotoneaster horizontalis?
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. Many cotoneaster are suitable for training as wall shrubs or hedges, providing a long season of interest with flowers and fruit. Evergreen cultivars will provide year-round screening.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.Cotoneasters are hardy, fast growing plants that keep most of their leaves through winter. Branches often grow in a complex, interwoven pattern. Flowers emerge from late spring through summer and are attractive to bees.Cotoneasters are usually relatively tolerant of hard pruning, though flowering and berries may be reduced after a hard cutback.
What are the characteristics of Cotoneaster horizontalis?
Cotoneaster horizontalis is a deciduous shrub with small, simple, waxy leaves. It has clusters of small white or pink flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by showy red berries. Cotoneaster is an excellent multi-season plant, offering spring flowers, fall berries, and year-round structure. Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.How to grow cotoneasters. Most cotoneasters thrive in moist but free-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. Some require pruning after fruiting to remain in bounds. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure, compost or leaf mould.Cotoneaster has adapted statewide and grows best in well drained, loose, moist, fertile soils but can grow fairly well in dry, poor soils. Space this shrub 3 to 4 feet apart. One- or two year-old, bare-root seedlings, (10 to 14 inches tall) are used in conservation plantings.What’s the problem? Cotoneasters are non-native species which can quickly out compete native plants. Berries are fed upon by birds dispersing seeds over large areas. Forms an extensive root system which is difficult to remove.
What are the benefits of growing 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. Hedge Cotoneaster 5-7 feet. One of the traditional hedges. Cotoneaster can be left uncut for an informal hedge, or pruned as a formal hedge. Flowers are inconspicuous, but has nice red and orange fall colour, and black berries that the birds will thank you for.Generally, cotoneasters are considered to be moderate to fast growers. The rate at which they grow can be influenced by several factors including soil quality, water availability, and exposure to sunlight.The arching branches of Cotoneaster are covered in dark green foliage turning yellow-red in autumn. White flowers in summer are followed by bright red berry-like fruit. Cotoneasters are fast-growing, with a mature height of 6 to 8 metres / 20 to 26 feet.Spreading Cotoneaster is an upright, rounded, densely branched, deciduous shrub reaching 5-6 feet tall by 6-8 feet wide that is named for its spreading habit.