Cotoneaster horizontalis
wall cotoneaster
C. horizontalis is a spreading dwarf deciduous shrub to 2m in width, with distinctive, flat, regularly-branched sprays of foliage with small glossy leaves that turn orange and red in autumn. Pink-tinged flowers and red berries
Other common names
rock spraywall spray
Synonyms
Cotoneaster acuminata var. prostrata
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Orange Red | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after 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
How to grow
Cultivation
This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive non-native species. While this does not prevent it from being sold in the UK, or from being grown in gardens, the RHS encourages those that do grow it to take great care with managing it and with disposing of unwanted material. The RHS also encourages gardeners to find alternative plants to grow to those listed on Schedule 9. For suggested alternative plants see the Plantlife/RHS guide: Gardening without harmful invasive plants
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
- Banks and slopes
- Ground cover
Pruning
Pests
Can get brown scale, Cotoneaster webber moth, aphids and woolly aphid
Diseases
May suffer from fireblight
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.