shrub

Northern Borders™ Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster horizontalis 'Variegatus'

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Northern Borders Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis 'Variegatus') at Marcum's Nursery

Northern Borders™ Cotoneaster foliage

Northern Borders™ Cotoneaster foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  3 feet

Spread:  6 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  5

Other Names:  Rock Cotoneaster, Rockspray Cotoneaster

Brand:  Greenleaf Nursery

Description:

An excellent color accent plant for massing and grouping, with white-variegated leaves on a horizontal 'herringbone' branching habit; pretty pink flowers in spring followed by brilliant red fruit and pink foliage in fall; quite a show-stopper

Ornamental Features

Northern Borders™ Cotoneaster is primarily valued in the garden for its cascading habit of growth. It features tiny clusters of pink flowers along the branches in mid spring. It has attractive white-variegated dark green foliage. The tiny glossy round leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding brick red in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Northern Borders™ Cotoneaster is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Insects

Northern Borders™ Cotoneaster is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Northern Borders™ Cotoneaster will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Rock  Garden  Groundcover 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Foliage Color  Fall Color  Texture  Plant Form  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features