Cotoneaster salicifolius

RHS Plant Profile
willow-leaved cotoneaster
willow-leaved cotoneaster RHS
Shrubs

Vigorous evergreen shrub to 5m tall, with arching branches and lance-shaped, dark green leaves to 10cm long. White summer flowers in flat-topped flower clusters are followed by heavy crops of almost spherical, shiny bright red fruits

Position

Full sun

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
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
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
Correct
Plant Range
SW China, Tibet

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun or part shade; protect from cold dry winds in colder or northern areas

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 8 if necessary, in mid or late summer, back to the nearest fading flowers or berry cluster Pruning group 13 for wall training

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus