Cotoneaster horizontalis 'Variegatus'

Variegated Rock Cotoneaster
Rosaceae
Deciduous, Ground covers, Shrubs, Decorative fruit or berries

COTONEASTER

Native to China, Himalayas, northern India. Plants range from low types used as ground covers to small, stiffly upright shrubs to tall (25-ft.) shrubs of fountainlike growth with graceful, arching branches. White or pinkish springtime flowers resembling tiny single roses are pretty because of their abundance, though not especially showy. Berries (typically red or orange red) follow the blossoms in fall and winter. All cotoneasters grow vigorously and thrive with little or no maintenance. In fact, they look better and produce better crops of berries if planted on dry slopes (where they can reduce erosion) or in poor soil rather than in rich, moist garden soil.

Cotoneaster horizontalis

Grows 2 to 3 ft. tall, 15 ft. wide, with stiff horizontal branches and many branchlets set in a herringbone pattern. Small, roundish, bright green leaves turn orange and red before falling. Leafless period may be brief. Showy red fruit. Effective when given enough room to spread; disfigured by cutting branches short to accommodate traffic. Fine bank cover or low traffic barrier.

'Variegatus'

Grows 2 to 3 ft. tall, 15 ft. wide, with stiff horizontal branches and many branchlets set in a herringbone pattern. Small, roundish, bright green leaves turn orange and red before falling. Leafless period may be brief. Showy red fruit follows white spring flowers. Effective when given enough room to spread; disfigured by cutting branches short to accommodate traffic. Fine bank cover or low traffic barrier.