Cotoneaster tardiflorus

RHS Plant Profile
late-flowering cotoneaster

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Large, evergreen shrub or small tree to 5m tall, with spreading, arching stems and silvery-green, oval leaves. Profuse, white flowers in late summer are followed by hanging bunches of red fruit along the branches, which ripen in late autumn and can last well into spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
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
Correct
Plant Range
China (Sichuan, Yunnan)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; tolerant of dry conditions once established

Propagation

Propagate from seed (tree/shrub), or by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, leaf spot, silver leaf and virus diseases