Rock Cotoneaster As The Favorite Choice Of Gardeners.

[Rayner Trafford]

An important shrub variety which grows fast and are used by many people because of both the fall foliage of their leaves and for their berries, rock cotoneaster plants are deciduous flowering shrubs. In plant taxonomy they are classified as Cotoneaster horizontalis. These plants are most commonly used in rock gardens. These shrubs spread horizontally and they have small leaves whose fall foliage ranges from reddish orange to burgundy. The branching of these shrubs is stiff and dense, and it gives a bristly look to the plant. It reaches a height of 3 inches and width of 15 inches. During many a pest and building inspection, building inspection experts have suggested the use of this plant in the yard because of its fast growing nature.

It is better that you grow rock cotoneaster shrubs in moist but well- drained, loamy soil. These plants, once established, are drought tolerant but it is good that you water them once in a while. Also, it is found out that these plants will profit from a touch of afternoon shade, even though they are considered plants for full sun. Rock cotoneaster shrubs are a nice example for plant with four season interest. They produce flowers in late spring, hosts glossy green leaves in summer, bear both attractive fall foliage and berries in the autumn and thereafter the red berries persist and remain attractive into early winter. Birds find the berries a favorite food source by late winter. These plants attract not only birds but also bees and butterflies and they are deer resistant. They are often used as ground covers and in rock gardens.

[Midwest troutbum]

As a degreed horticulturalist, I would comment the first several sentences on the description of the Cotoneaster are fair, but diverges into an arguably incomplete and somewhat inaccurate post for the detail oriented plant geek.

The most shocking line is suggesting taking advice from a building inspection expert on plant material.Building experts are the last people you would want suggesting plant material for your yard. It is comparable to taking advice from a plumber on the best colleges to attend or how to cook a turkey.

Would you have any idea as to maintenance, hardiness zone requirements, and suggested microclimates for which the cotoneaster species is best suited? There are many superior alternative plant selections to the Cotoneaster for rock gardens in any hardiness zone or climate. In St. Louis and within 200 miles in any direction, the number of rock garden worthy herbaceous perennials outnumbers the woody selections. For the best results, the first thing one should do is determine the hardiness zone where the planting is going to be, and analyze the soil type and microclimate. Then determine an overall plan for the area to be designed. Narrow the plant search by height, width limitations and maintenance requirements. Low maintenance includes any watering requirements, pruning requirements, and seasonal cleanup. The worst thing in the world is to pick woody plants based on the little size you see at the store. Most plants get much larger in mature height and width than the sales tags will give credit. Select plants at their mature sizes that best suit natural climate or environment requirements. Also consider power lines on anything that grows larger than 8'-0" in height. If you select plants that do not fit the conditions in your yard or property, you will find your free time spent on replacing plants, excessive water bills, pruning, and maintaining your investment. Do your homework prior to planting. Select plants that naturally fit with the microclimate, of solid landscape design principles and are aesthetically appealing. It will save you time, effort and money in the short and long run.

The Cotoneaster species requires a decent amount of maintenance, particularly if planted anywhere near (several hundred feet or more) of oak and or deciduous trees. You will find yourself cleaning out the plant regularly in the fall, as this plant is a leaf magnet and will disappear under layers of leaf material. It is more of a medium growth plant near St. Louis, and many great alternative plants to Cotoneaster horizontalis are available at landscape nursery centers throughout the midwest. Ask a horticulturalist, botanist, or licensed landscape design professional for the best advice on plant material. Leave pest inspection to exterminators and building inspections to code enforcement officers or licensed building construction professionals.