Rockspray cotoneaster - Cotoneaster horizontalis (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Rockspray cotoneaster

Also known as: Fishbone Cotoneaster, Wall cotoneaster, Wallspray

Rockspray cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) is a low-growing deciduous shrub that makes a colorful accent to your garden. Showy pale pink flowers blossom spring to summer with bright scarlet fruit appearing in late summer to early fall. Glossy dark green leaves turn reddish-purple in fall. Attracts butterflies and birds grows to 30 to 61 cm tall in full sun to partial shade.

Scientific classification

Species

Rockspray cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

1.5 m

Spread

Green, Red, Orange

Leaf Color

5 mm to 7 mm

Flower Size

Red

Fruit Color

Pink, White

Flower Color

Green, Red, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Rockspray cotoneaster

Distribution of Rockspray cotoneaster

Distribution Map

Rockspray cotoneaster grows natively as shurb in areas of Central and South China. Its introduction as a garden plant has been widespread, covering most of Europe, New Zealand, and North and South American areas. It has been named an environmental weed in western Europe, North America, and New Zealand, as it stifles the growth of specific native plants.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Parks and gardens in temperate regions

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Rockspray cotoneaster is a commonly grown compact shrub grown for its cheery summer fruits and dazzling orange fall foliage. This delightful plant may be used for hedging, screening, as a groundcover, or for cascading down fences and walls. Rockspray cotoneaster is perfect in cottage-style and informal gardens or simply wherever you need a pop of color, for this plant is very versatile. Juniper makes for a wonderful contrast.

Name Story

Rockspray cotoneaster||Wall cotoneaster: The common names for this plant are wall cotoneaster and rockspray cotoneaster. These names comes from the widespread use of Cotoneaster horizontalis as a rock-garden plant and a wall plant.

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Toxicity

Rockspray cotoneaster contains cyanogenic glycosides in its berries, which release cyanide when ingested, leading to nausea, vomiting, and cyanide poisoning in humans, dogs, and cats. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, bluish pallor, and possible death. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if pets consume these fruits. Keep rockspray cotoneaster out of reach of children and pets.

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Quickly Identify Rockspray cotoneaster

1/4 inch (6 mm) bright red berries in late summer.

Distinctive fishbone pattern on red-brown stems.

Glossy, dark green leaves with red-purple fall color.

Low-growing form with horizontal branching habit.

Soft pink, 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) five-petaled flowers.

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Care Guide for Rockspray cotoneaster

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Rockspray cotoneaster prefers well-drained soils, showcasing its drought tolerance. Water moderately, every 1-2 weeks. Typically thriving outdoors, rockspray cotoneaster aligns its growth with seasonal rainfall, needing less care during wet periods.

Fertilize: For rockspray cotoneaster, apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in spring, then switch to high-nitrogen in early summer every 4-6 weeks. Cease feeding by late summer for dormancy preparation. Use slow-release formulas and water thoroughly after application to enhance nutrient absorption and prevent root burn.

Pruning: Rockspray cotoneaster features a low-growing, spreading habit with dense branching. Prune in early spring by removing dead branches and cutting back long shoots to improve shape, air circulation, and growth. Use sharp, clean tools to minimize stress and promote health.

Propagation: Rockspray cotoneaster is propagated effectively using cutting and layering methods in autumn and winter. Success is indicated by new foliage or roots. Optimal growth requires maintaining proper humidity and temperature conditions.

Repotting: Repot rockspray cotoneaster every 2-3 years in spring to support its growth. Use a wider pot for its spreading habit. After repotting, maintain moist soil and provide partial shade to aid recovery and promote its fine, arching branches. Adjust care for optimal growth.

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Images of Rockspray cotoneaster

Distribution of Rockspray cotoneaster

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Rockspray cotoneaster

Care Guide for Rockspray cotoneaster

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