Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Cotoneaster humifusa

bearberry cotoneaster

Vigorous, prostrate evergreen shrub about 20cm tall, spreading to 2m, with small, oval, veiny leaves to 4cm long, and small white flowers in small clusters or singly, in early summer, followed by bright red berries

Synonyms
Cotoneaster humifusa
Cotoneaster humifusus
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green Red
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
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 (Hubei)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, with shelter from cold winds

Propagation

Propagate from seed (tree/shrub) or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Pruning group 8 if necessary, in mid or late summer, back to the nearest fading flowers or berry cluster

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, woolly aphid, scale insects and cotoneaster webber caterpillar

Diseases

May be susceptible to fire blight 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.