Plants
Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster · Rosaceae
Cotoneaster is the epitome of the low-maintenance ground cover: dense mats of small glossy leaves, countless white to pink flowers in May as a bee pasture, and from September a sea of bright red berries. It greens areas, banks and graves where little else will thrive — and asks almost nothing in return.
- Light
- Sun to partial shade; also tolerates light shade beneath trees.
- Watering
- Low: after establishing, water only in extreme drought.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- Cotoneaster
The genus is diverse. Among ground covers, the carpet cotoneaster Cotoneaster dammeri and its varieties such as „Coral Beauty“ with especially rich berry set dominate, along with the low Cotoneaster radicans. The fishbone cotoneaster, Cotoneaster horizontalis, builds its branches in a characteristic herringbone pattern against walls and on slopes, and taller species grow as free-standing shrubs.
Its greatest asset is its modesty: cotoneasters grow in sun and partial shade, on lean as well as normal garden soils, and tolerate root pressure, heat over paving and dry spells. That is exactly why they have been the first choice for low-maintenance permanent grave planting for decades, keeping surfaces calm and tidy.
Ecologically, this unassuming plant is often underestimated: the small flowers are heavily visited by honeybees and wild bees in May and June, and the berries feed blackbirds and thrushes in winter. The fishbone cotoneaster is among the most bee-friendly small shrubs of all.
One drawback: as a member of the rose family, cotoneaster is susceptible to fire blight and can transmit this notifiable bacterial disease to fruit trees; in some fruit-growing regions its planting is therefore restricted. Dying shoot tips that look scorched should be taken seriously and removed generously.
The red berries are considered mildly toxic: they contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides but taste mealy and bitter, so larger quantities are rarely eaten. Single swallowed berries are usually harmless for children and pets alike; from a handful upwards, stomach upset is possible.
Is Cotoneaster toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Mildly irritating
- Dogs
- Mildly irritating
Berries and leaves contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides and are considered mildly toxic. Single berries are usually harmless; larger amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset in children and pets.
Typical symptoms: After eating larger amounts: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Sunny to partially shaded position; flowering and berry set are richest in sun.
- 02Any normal free-draining garden soil will do; avoid waterlogging.
- 03Water regularly only in the planting year; established areas look after themselves.
- 04For dense coverage plant six to eight plants per square metre.
- 05Pruning is hardly needed; shorten overlong shoots in spring.
- 06Watch for fire blight: cut out brown-black, scorched-looking shoot tips generously.
Frequently asked
- Is cotoneaster toxic to children and pets?
- It is considered mildly toxic: berries and leaves contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides. One or two swallowed berries are usually harmless; only larger amounts lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Since the red berries look tempting to toddlers, it is still worth keeping an eye on them in family gardens.
- Why is cotoneaster so popular for grave planting?
- Because it delivers exactly what a grave needs: it covers the surface densely and permanently, suppresses weeds, stays low, looks tidy all year round and copes for weeks without watering. Combined with erica, ivy and seasonal bedding flowers, it makes a calm, dignified permanent planting.
- Is cotoneaster evergreen?
- It depends on the species: carpet forms such as Cotoneaster dammeri and „Coral Beauty“ are evergreen to semi-evergreen and keep their foliage in normal winters. The fishbone cotoneaster, by contrast, is deciduous and compensates with glowing orange-red autumn colour.
- How many cotoneasters do I need per square metre?
- For quickly closed coverage allow six to eight plants per square metre. With patience, four to five will do, but you will then weed for one or two more years until the carpet closes. A mulch layer between the young plants keeps the area clean until then.