Walton's Plant Library

Description:

An excellent compact slow growing shrub, featuring white flowers in spring and orange-red fruit in fall; evergreen leaves require adequate snow cover or protection from winter sun and wind in exposed locations

Ornamental Features

Gray Leaf Cotoneaster is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its cascading habit of growth. It features tiny clusters of white flowers along the branches in late spring. It has attractive grayish green evergreen foliage. The small fuzzy oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain grayish green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Gray Leaf Cotoneaster is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Invasive

Gray Leaf Cotoneaster is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Gray Leaf Cotoneaster will grow to be about 4 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 fast 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 growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.