Swedish cotoneaster
Cotoneaster suecicus · Rosaceae
⚠️ 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 swedish cotoneaster and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen, dark green
- Flowering
- May to June, small white or pale pink flowers
- Adult size
- 80 cm tall, spreading and arching habit
- Fruits
- Red to bright orange berries, decorative from summer to winter
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Horticultural hybrid (Sweden), derived from Cotoneaster dammeri and C. horizontalis
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates chalky and poor soils
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Cotoneaster suecicus produces generous berries if given regular watering during summer. No mandatory pruning: let it spread naturally to show off the striking fruiting.
The common mistake
Pruning it too short or too often: this reduces fruiting and creates a visually uninteresting shrub.
The pro's trick
In July-August, if young shoots get too invasive, pinch off only the tips: this keeps a nice shape without compromising autumn berries.
Seasonal watch
In September-October, birds devour the red berries very quickly.
Care
Exposure
Swedish cotoneaster thrives in full sun for optimal fruiting and compact habit. It tolerates partial shade, but berry production will be reduced. Place it in an open spot, away from competition with other shrubs.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to promote root establishment. Once established, it tolerates drought well and water needs remain moderate. During intense summer periods, occasional watering maintains vigorous foliage.
Soil and planting
Plant in well-drained soil, lightly enriched with organic matter. This shrub adapts to chalky and poor soils. Avoid waterlogging, particularly in winter, which risks promoting root rot.
Pruning and cutting
Light pruning after flowering (June-July) maintains a harmonious and dense habit. Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter. Avoid hard pruning, which would reduce autumn and winter fruiting.
Fertiliser
A balanced fertiliser in spring supports growth. In poor soils, a light application in autumn (high in potassium) strengthens fruit production. Organic mulch at the base gradually nourishes the soil.
Diseases and pests
Generally robust. Watch for scale insects and aphids in hot, dry conditions. Dense foliage can encourage powdery mildew if air is stagnant; promote air circulation through airy pruning.
Did you know?
Swedish cotoneaster is a horticultural hybrid created in Sweden in the 1960s, recognised for its versatility and exceptional hardiness. Its small red to orange berries cling to branches long after autumn, providing food and colour to birds throughout winter, making it a valuable shrub for ecological gardens.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Cherry treePrunus avium
- Apple treeMalus domestica
- BlackthornPrunus spinosa
- Salad burnetPoterium sanguisorba
- Bird cherryPrunus padus
- BrambleRubus fruticosus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.