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Cotoneaster adpressus 'Little Gem'

creeping cotoneaster 'Little Gem'

Low-growing, wide-spreading deciduous shrub about 30cm tall, with trailing stems and small dark green leaves to 1cm long, that turn scarlet in autumn. Small red-tinged white flowers in summer are followed by bright red fruits

Synonyms
Cotoneaster apiculatus 'Tom Thumb'
Cotoneaster adpressus 'Tom Thumb'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Red Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched, Trailing
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings (greenwood cuttings) in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, scale insects and cotoneaster webber caterpillar

Diseases

May be susceptible to fire blight and honey fungus

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