Cotoneaster apiculatus (Cranberry Cotoneaster)

Michael's Opinion

A commonly used ground cover with small glossy green leaves that are a dominant feature of this plant. It is covered with white flowers in mid-summer and these are followed by its small red, cranberry like fruit. It suffers from winter burn and in my opinion because of this and its ungainly form is a poor choice for the landscape.

Botanical Information

FamilyRosaceae
GenusCotoneaster
Speciesapiculatus
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4-7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-29 to -34
Temperature (°F)-20 to -30
Height1 m
Spread1.25 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodJune

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLow, wide spreading shrub with stiff branching habit.
ID CharacteristicSmall glossy green leaves.
ShapeLow, mounded
PropagationSeeds should be scarified in acid for 60 minutes then provided 60 plus days at 5°C. Softwood cutting root easily if treated with 1000 to 3000 ppm IBA, quick dip and placed in peat/perlite or sand under mist.
CultivationMoist, well drained soil but will grow in any situation except those that are permanently wet.
PestsMites in dry condition and in winters with little snow cover, winter burn.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSimilar to C. lucidus except smaller.
Leaf DescriptionAlternate, simple, suborbicular to orbicular-ovate, .5-2 cm long and wide, apiculate.
Flower DescriptionPerfect, pinkish, solitary, small.
Fruit DescriptionPome, 0.5 - 2 cm in diameter, rounded, cranberry red August through September, borne singly.
Colour DescriptionDark glossy green in summer changing to a good bronzy red tone in autumn.
Texture DescriptionFine in leaf but often course in winter.

Photographs