Rockspray Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Shrub

Rockspray Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster horizontalis

Rockspray Cotoneaster winter stems
Rockspray Cotoneaster winter stems
 
Features
Small, pale pink flowers in spring; summer leaves are lustrous; small, bright red fruit in late summer and autumn; autumn color is reddish, although leaves may fall off green; winter branches have an interesting 'fish bone' pattern. 
 
Culture
Full sun; prefers a moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate dryness; tolerates alkaline soil, somewhat tolerant of salt. 
 
Cultivars
  • 'Robustus' - 3 feet tall, fruits heavily.
 
 
Mature Height
2-3 Feet
 
Size
Small
 
 
Mature Width
5-6 Feet
 
Mature Form
Low growing, with horizontally spreading branches that give the plant a layered look. 
 
Native To:
China 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 7 
 
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Salt
Wind
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
 
 
Uses
Border
Foundation
Specimen
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Orange
Red
Yellow
 
 
Pests and Problems

Bacterial Disease

Environmental Damage

Insect Damage

Insect Relative Damage


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

Spider mites,scale insects, fireblight and leaf spots are common problems.
 
Additional Notes
This shrub can be used as a ground cover.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic