Cotoneaster atropurpureus 'Variegatus' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
variegated purple-flowered cotoneaster
variegated purple-flowered cotoneaster RHS 2002

Synonyms

Cotoneaster horizontalis 'Variegatus'

Award of Garden Merit
Shrubs

A low-growing small deciduous shrub with horizontally spreading branches bearing small leaves margined with cream and tinted red in autumn. Small pink flowers are followed by red berries

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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

Will tolerate dry situations in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Banks and slopes

Pruning

Pruning group 1 or pruning group 13 for wall-trained specimens

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects and woolly aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus