Cotoneaster horizontalis

A good form of Cotoneaster horizontalis will present a main shoot from which a series of parallel lateral shoots branch from in herringbone fashion. At this time of year the whole plant is covered in autumn colour. The small rounded leaves mainly startlingly bright red in colour. Yet the leaves towards the end of the shoots retain their growing season green colour. With a cold snap of freezing nights these leaves will also drop.

Native to China it has been cultivated since the end of the 19th Century. Now one of the most common of Chinese plants in our gardens it berries and sets viable seed. The resultant seedlings are often seen around the parent plant or further afield, readily spread by birds.

Cotoneaster horizontalis

Ideal as a plant to cover ground or grow against a wall. Easily pruned to shape and form. Once established this plant is invincible. It will gradually increase in height to 1 metre yet maintaining a broadly horizontal form.