Cotoneaster insculptus
engraved cotoneaster
Deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub to about 3m with shiny dark green, pointed, oval leaves with incised veins, turning gold and bronze in autumn. Abundant, small clusters of pink flowers in mid-summer are followed by red-orange berries from mid-autumn into winter
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Bronze Gold | Orange Red | ||
| Winter | Green | Orange Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous or Semi 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
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
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 1, or Pruning group 13 if wall-trained
Pests
May be susceptible to brown scale, cotoneaster webber caterpillar and aphids including woolly aphid
Diseases
May be susceptible to fireblight, honey fungus, leaf spot, silver leaf and virus diseases
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.