The care information provided in this section represents the kind of practical advice is available for all the plants in this web site if you subscribe to the monthly customized newsletter Yardener’s Advisor.
Watering
Cranberry Cotoneasters need about an inch of water each week. An inch of rain equals 2 gallons per plant that you may also supply by watering for half an hour with a sprinkler.
Spring and Summer: Make sure the plants get 1/2 to 1 inch of water a week during active growth.
Fall and Winter: Reduce supplemental water from late August to mid-October to discourage excessive fall growth that might be susceptible to winterkill. Resume supplemental watering in the late fall and soak well prior to the ground's freezing solid. With their generally shallow root systems, shrubs can suffer moisture deficiency in the late winter without that last good drenching before the hard freeze sets in. For more information about watering see the file About Watering Equipment
Fertilizing
Cranberry Cotoneasters need only one application each year of fertilizer such as commercial sludge, compost, or a fertilizer with a slow release form of nitrogen. Spread the fertilizer on soil to 1-1/2 feet beyond the tips of the branches, and don't let fertilizer touch the plant. Follow fertilizer package directions to determine amount to apply and remember: more isn't necessarily better!
Spring: Make annual application of fertilizer.
Summer: Cranberry Cotoneasters will look even better with a monthly spray of dilute liquid fertilizer for the first three months after last frost.
Fall: Stop feeding 2 months before first frost to encourage hardening off for winter.
For more information see file About Fertilizers.
Mulching
Cranberry Cotoneasters do best when they have a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch over their roots all season long. Cover the soil out to the tips of the branches (drip line). Keep the mulch away from the main stem to avoid decay and rodent damage. Mulch with chopped leaves, pine needles or wood chips. Avoid mulching with un-chopped leaves, because they mat together and prevent water from reaching the soil. Peat moss also makes poor mulch, because it draws water from the soil like a wick and is difficult to rewet.
When planting groups of Cranberry Cotoneasters together as a groundcover, mulch with pine needles, shredded leaves, bark, or wood chips, as perennial weeds are very difficult to remove once the plants are established. For best weed control, lay down landscape fabric before planting the shrubs and cut a hole where each plant is to go. After planting, top with a layer of mulch.
For more information see file on Using Mulch.
Pruning/Grooming
Cranberry Cotoneasters normally don't require any pruning, except for selectively removing branches to shape the plant or cutting out dead wood.
Because of Cranberry Cotoneasters' dense branching habit, they tend to collect leaves and other articles during the winter, especially if they are planted in an open, windy area. Rake out the debris in spring.
For more information see file on Pruning Shrubs and Choosing Pruning Tools.
Winter Protection
This plant requires protection in the northern half of zone 5. For more information see file on Winter Protection For Plants.
