Introducing...
Tree and shrub cotoneasters
Botanical name: Cotoneaster
Common name: Cotoneaster
Taller cultivars of cotoneasters are ideal for giving height in gardens where a larger tree cannot be accommodated. In borders, they make an excellent foil for other plants, with evergreen cultivars providing year-round structure. Their abundance of flowers and berries are beneficial to wildlife.
Looks
Initially upright, these vigorous shrubs often have arching stems and can be tree-like in outline once mature. Creamy-white late spring flowers are usually followed by red-orange or yellow berries.
Likes
These plants thrive in a range of soil types in sun or part-shade.
Dislikes
Shrub cotoneasters do not do well in excessively wet soil or in deep shade. Evergreens dislike exposure to severe, frost-laden winds in winter.
Did you know?
Berrying branches can be used in winter arrangements and wreaths as a thornless alternative to holly.
Shrub cotoneasters we recommend
Cotoneaster salicifolius 'Avonbank'
cotoneaster 'Avonbank'
- From2Point5To4
- From4To8
Cotoneaster franchetii
Franchet's cotoneaster
- From2Point5To4
- From4To8
Cotoneaster 'Rothschildianus'
cotoneaster 'Rothschildianus'
- From4To8
- WiderThan8
Cotoneaster salicifolius 'Avonbank'
cotoneaster 'Avonbank'
- From2Point5To4
- From4To8
Cotoneaster franchetii
Franchet's cotoneaster
- From2Point5To4
- From4To8
Cotoneaster 'Rothschildianus'
cotoneaster 'Rothschildianus'
- From4To8
- WiderThan8
Useful advice
Front gardens: planting
Shrubs: evergreen by size
Shrubs: evergreen for specific situations
Shrubs: pruning evergreens
Trees and shrubs: establishment problems
Trees and shrubs: planting
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.