Bearberry cotoneaster
Cotoneaster dammeri · Rosaceae
📷 Père Igor · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Baies et feuilles contiennent de faibles quantités de glycosides cyanogènes ; une ingestion importante peut causer des troubles digestifs chez chiens et chats.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around bearberry cotoneaster and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, small dark green leaves
- Flowering
- May to June, small white or pink flowers
- Fruits
- Scarlet red berries, decorative in autumn and winter
- Adult size
- 16–20 inches tall, sprawling and spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to −4 °F
- Origin
- China, introduced to Europe in the early 20th century
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerant, undemanding
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Dammer's cotoneaster spreads slowly but steadily in a low mat. Light spring pruning to control expansion; it flowers and fruits without fuss after.
The common mistake
Thinking it needs regular watering: once established, it handles itself, and every unnecessary watering makes it sluggish in berry production.
The pro's trick
Plant it densely (every 60 cm) for compact coverage in three years; less dense, it stays weak for a long time before filling the gaps.
Care
Light exposure
Plant your Dammer Cotoneaster in full sun to optimize flowering and fruiting. However, it tolerates light part shade, though it will be less floriferous. A south or west exposure is ideal in temperate regions.
Watering
Water regularly the first year to promote establishment. Once established, it is moderately drought-resistant. During prolonged dry spells, weekly watering will keep the plant in good condition. Avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.
Soil and drainage
This cotoneaster prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Adaptable to most garden soils, it dislikes stagnant moisture. Adding compost when planting improves drainage and fertility.
Pruning and maintenance
Undemanding, it requires light pruning after fruiting (late January to February) to maintain its compact form. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. Its natural sprawling habit generally requires only minimal maintenance.
Fertilizing
Undemanding, a balanced fertilizer application in spring is sufficient. In poor soil, an annual application of well-decomposed compost on the surface stimulates growth and fruiting without excess foliage.
Diseases and pests
Generally very robust, it may occasionally be affected by powdery mildew in humid, poorly ventilated conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. In case of significant infestation, pruning for better air flow is often enough to resolve the issue.
Did you know?
The Dammer Cotoneaster is a champion ground cover in temperate regions: its sprawling and very dense habit makes it a valuable ally for slopes and banks, where it holds soil while flowering generously. Its bright red berries attract birds in autumn and winter, making it an ally for garden biodiversity. Its name honors the 19th-century German botanist who contributed to introducing many Asian species to Europe.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.