Rosaceae
Spreading Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster divaricatus)
Cotoneaster divaricatus
A tough, low-maintenance shrub for temperate climates. It likes full sun or part shade and well-drained soil, and once established takes drought, poor or alkaline soil, wind and road salt. It is very cold hardy (USDA zone 4) and needs a cold winter. The berries can cause stomach upset if eaten.
Every 10 days
Bright indirect
-34° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Spreading cotoneaster?
Spreading cotoneaster (Cotoneaster divaricatus) is a easy-care plant from the Rosaceae family. Cotoneaster divaricatus is a deciduous shrub from western China, in the rose family. It is densely branched, upright when young and arching later, reaching 1.5 to 2.4 m tall and wide. The small, glossy leaves turn yellow, orange, red and purple in autumn and hold their colour for weeks. In May and J...
Spreading cotoneaster grows up to 2.4m, spread of 240cm, watering every 10 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Spreading cotoneaster tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Spreading cotoneaster?
TLDR: Spreading cotoneaster needs Bright indirect, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between -34-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Spreading cotoneaster?
Water weekly in the first year to establish the roots. After that, water only in long dry spells, about every 10 days. Avoid soggy soil.
How Much Light Does Spreading cotoneaster Need?
Full sun, at least 6 hours a day, gives the most flowers, berries and autumn colour. It tolerates part shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Spreading cotoneaster?
Prefers well-drained loam with a pH of 6 to 8, but adapts to clay, poor, dry or alkaline soils.
What Pot Should You Use for Spreading cotoneaster?
Best planted in the ground, as a hedge or on a bank. In a container, use a large, heavy pot with drainage holes.
What Is Spreading cotoneaster and Where Does It Come From?
Cotoneaster divaricatus is a deciduous shrub from western China, in the rose family. It is densely branched, upright when young and arching later, reaching 1.5 to 2.4 m tall and wide. The small, glossy leaves turn yellow, orange, red and purple in autumn and hold their colour for weeks. In May and June it bears small white to pink-tinged flowers in threes, partly hidden by the leaves. Egg-shaped red berries, 6 to 12 mm, follow and stay on into winter, attracting birds.
How to Propagate Spreading cotoneaster?
Stem cutting
Keep the air humid but do not let the mix get soggy.
- 1 In early summer, take a 10-15 cm semi-ripe cutting
- 2 Strip the lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone
- 3 Insert in a light, gritty mix and keep moist
- 4 Keep in bright, sheltered light until rooted
Materials needed:
Seed
Seeds have double dormancy and may take more than a year to come up.
- 1 Collect ripe berries in autumn and clean the seeds
- 2 Sow in a pot and leave outdoors over winter so cold breaks dormancy
- 3 Keep moist and wait for germination in spring
Materials needed:
How Big Does Spreading cotoneaster Grow?
TLDR: Spreading cotoneaster can reach up to 2.4m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
2.4m
Spread
2.4m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Spreading cotoneaster?
TLDR: Spreading cotoneaster is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Fire Blight
Fire blight is a highly destructive and contagious bacterial disease caused by Erwinia amylovora. It primarily affects plants in the Rosaceae family, including apple, pear, quince trees, and various ornamental plants. The disease can destroy an entire orchard in a single growing season under ideal conditions, with the bacterium moving approximately 11 inches per week in new growth.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Canker
Canker is a disease caused by various fungi and bacteria that create necrotic, sunken areas on bark of branches, stems, and trunks. Pathogens enter through wounds and natural openings, especially when plants are stressed. Canker can gradually weaken or kill branches by disrupting water and nutrient flow.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Fun Facts
The red berries stay on into winter and feed birds.
Its autumn leaves mix yellow, orange, red and purple and last for weeks.
It tolerates road salt and wind, so it is often used for city hedges.
Frequently asked questions
Are cotoneaster berries poisonous?
When should I prune it?
Does it need much water?
What problems can it have?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
