Cotoneaster - Rose Box
(Cotonea'ster)
DESCRIPTION: The amount of plants in this group is under speculation. The numbers that have been tossed around range from 70 species to well over 200. Regardless, Cotoneasters range from low-growing mats to small trees, most of which are deciduous, though some are evergreen. Cotoneasters are natives of the temperate regions of Europe, northern Africa and Asia. The wide variety of growing habits makes these plants suitable for many gardening purposes. Cotoneasters are mainly grown for their dazzling autumn colors and vivid berries, though some produce an abundance of white or pink-tinted flowers, in early summer. Cotoneasters are quite easily grown and they tolerate air pollution, however, they are susceptible to spider mites and fireblight. C. cashmiriensis is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that forms a mound of small, lustrous, dark green leaves. White flowers are followed by bright red berries. This shrub makes a great ground cover that looks elegant spilling over a rock or low wall. C. congestus is a hardy, creeping, evergreen shrub that forms mounds of small, bluish-green leaves. However, this variety doesn't produce its red fruits freely. C. 'Coral Beauty' is a hardy, compact, small, evergreen shrub with elegantly arching branches. The shiny, green leaves are ovate-elliptic-shaped and up to 3/4-inch long. The white flowers are followed by tons of orangish-red berries. This is a great ground cover and is sometimes available as a small, weeping tree.
POTTING: Cotoneasters can be grown in almost any soil, in sun or part shade; however, for the best results plant in soil that is moist and well-drained, in a sunny position. These plants need very little pruning, except to remove dead twigs and any straggling shoots. Older, overgrown shrubs may be cut back hard in late winter.
PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in late autumn, in pots of sandy soil placed in a cold frame or greenhouse. Cuttings can be made from the shoots of the current year, 4 to 6 inches long, in August or September. These can be inserted in a greenhouse, or in a sheltered border outdoors and covered with a bell jar where winters are mild.
VARIETIES: C. adpressus; C. amoenus; C. ballatus; C. cashmiriensis; C.cavei; C. chohleatus; C. congestus; C. conspicuus 'Decorus'; C. 'Coral Beauty'; C. 'Cornubia'; C. dammeri; C. divaricatus; C. 'Exburiensis'; C. franchetii; C. frigidus; C. glabratus; C. 'Gnom'; C. hjelmqvistii; C. horizontalis & var. Variegatus; C. 'Hybridus Pendulus'; C. hylmoei; C. integrifolius; C. lacteus; C. lucidus; C. macrophyllus; C. nanshan; C. 'Pink Champagne'; C. radicans; C. rehderi; C. 'Rothschildianus; C. salicifolius; C. serotinus; C. simonsii; C. 'Skogholm'; C. splendens; C. sternianus; C. watereri & var. John Waterer.
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