Spreading Cotoneasters (Cotoneaster sp.)
Cotoneasters (cuh-TONE-ee-ass-terz) are attractive and versatile additions to a residential landscape. There are many, many kinds of cotoneasters, most of which originated in Asia. Because they come in a wide range of types and sizes, they are often grouped according to size; as either low or medium growing groundcovers or as tall shrubs. The low or medium height types are spreading plants and are one of the best choices for an evergreen groundcover. Fine-textured, and low growing, they are especially handsome trailing over retaining walls or planted en masse on banks. Their solid carpet of glossy green is handsome. Several species of cotoneaster are suitable as groundcovers, the most popular of are: Rock Spray (Cotoneaster horizontalis), Bearberry (Cotoneaster dammeri), Cranberry (Cotoneaster apiculatus) and Creeping (Cotoneaster adpressus) that is a dwarf type.
Bearberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri)
Bearberry Cotoneasters (cuh-TONE-ee-ass-terz) are one of the best choices for an evergreen groundcover. These fine-textured, low-growing shrubs are especially handsome trailing over retaining walls or planted en masse on banks.
Cranberry Cotoneasters (Cotoneaster apiculatus)
Cranberry Cotoneasters (cuh-TONE-ee-ass-terz) are fine-textured, low-growing shrubs which are especially handsome trailing over retaining walls or planted in large groupings on banks. They carpet the ground with glossy green leaves in summer and red to purple tones in fall.
Creeping Cotoneasters (Cotoneaster adpressus praecox)
Creeping Cotoneasters (cuh-TONE-ee-ass-terz) are fine-textured, low-growing shrubs which are especially handsome trailing over retaining walls or planted in large groupings on banks. They carpet the ground with glossy green leaves in summer and red to purple tones in fall. Creeping Cotoneasters are also valued for their small, bright red berries that appear on the plants in late summer.
