Rockspray Cotoneaster

(Cotoneaster horizontalis)

Rockspray Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis)

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Cotoneaster horizontalis Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 25" - 51"
• High Temp. 64°F - 88°F
• Low Temp. 20°F - 36°F

Summary

Cotoneaster horizontalis, commonly known as Rockspray Cotoneaster, is a deciduous shrub originating from rocky outcrops and forest margins in Western China. It typically grows to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) tall and 1.5 meters (4 ft 11 in) wide, with a distinctive herringbone pattern of branches. The small, glossy green leaves turn shades of red and orange in autumn, adding seasonal interest. Its small, 5-petaled flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, ranging from pink to white and are modestly showy. By autumn, the plant is adorned with bright red berries (pomes) that persist into winter, providing food for birds.

Rockspray Cotoneaster is valued for its low-maintenance nature, adaptability, and year-round interest, making it a popular choice for ground cover, hedging, and garden borders. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils but is tolerant of a range of soil types. Gardeners should be cautious, as Cotoneaster horizontalis can become invasive outside its native range, spreading by seed and rooting branches. It has naturalized and is becoming invasive in parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 6-8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Groundcover, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Rocky outcrops and forest margins in Western China

Other Names

Common Names: Rock Cotoneaster, Rock-Spray, Wall-Spray, Wall Cotoneaster, Herringbone Cotoneaster, Lodret Og Vandret, Fächer-Zwergmispel, Cotonnier Horizontal, Cotonéaster Horizontal, Krypmispel

Scientific Names: Cotoneaster horizontalis, Cotoneaster wilsonii, Cotoneaster horizontalis var. variegatus, Cotoneaster symonsii, Cotoneaster davidianus, Cotoneaster horizontalis var. horizontalis, Cotoneaster acuminata var. prostrata, Cotoneaster acuminatus var. prostratus, Diospyros chaffanjonii, Pyrus horizontalis

GBIF Accepted Name: Cotoneaster horizontalis Decne.