Cotoneaster lacteus
late cotoneaster
A dense, evergreen shrub about 4m tall, with arching branches bearing large, oval leathery, dark green leaves to 6cm in length, white-hairy beneath. Large clusters of small white flowers are followed by small red berries in broad clusters, lasting into winter. A great choice for hedging
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Cotoneaster can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple, entire leaves and clusters of small white or pink flowers in spring and summer, followed by showy red, purple or black berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China (Yunnan, Sichuan)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, dry situations in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 8 or Pruning group 13 if wall trained
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, cotoneaster webber caterpillar and aphids including woolly aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to fireblight and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.