Cotoneaster harrovianus
Harrow cotoneaster
Evergreen shrub with arching stems to 3m high and wide. Striking for its abundant, dense clusters of white flowers with contrasting reddish-purple anthers, arranged in heads along the branches as well as at the ends. Fruits are red, colouring slowly during autumn, and best in December
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green | Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Cotoneaster can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple, entire leaves and clusters of small white or pink flowers in spring and summer, followed by showy red, purple or black berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- W China, Vietnam
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; tolerant of dry conditions
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe in autumn or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 8 or Pruning group 13 for wall-trained plants
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, scale insects and cotoneaster webber caterpillar
Diseases
May be susceptible to fire blight and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.