Cotoneasters include numerous species of attractive evergreen and deciduous shrubs. They have small rounded leaves and produce small white or pink flowers in the spring followed by red berries in the fall. Depending on the species, they grow in several climates including U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 8. The size of cotoneasters ranges from short plants used as ground cover to large shrubs that can reach up to 25 feet tall.
Rock cotoneaster is a drought-tolerant shrub once established. But until it is established, water so as to keep its soil evenly moist.
Give rock cotoneaster full sun for optimal berry production and fall-foliage color. But newly-planted cotoneaster plants need a bit of pampering, even though they are considered ground covers for full sun: Be sure to give them plenty of water.
It is not fussy about soil pH, although rock cotoneaster generally performs best in earth with a roughly neutral soil pH. Its main soil requirement is good drainage. A loamy soil works best.
Prune plants in the spring after flowering. You can thin plants at the base and trim branches that grow in awkward positions
Cotoneaster is not hardy and can only tolerate cold temperatures for a few days only.To keep your cotoneaster healthy, protect it from cold temperatures and make sure to keep it between 35° – 59° degrees Fahrenheit (2° C – 15° C) during the winter season.
