Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster – Best Plants In New Zealand!

Growing colourful shrubs such as Cotoneaster in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used to provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Cotoneaster plants, and the right one for your space. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Cotoneaster, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Cotoneaster Questions

1. Is cotoneaster fast growing?

Cotoneaster is a fast-growing shrub and can grow up to 2-3 metres tall in just a few years. If you are looking for a fast-growing shrub to add to your garden, cotoneaster is a great option. It is a beautiful plant with showy flowers, and it is relatively easy to care for. Just be sure to plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and water it regularly, especially during hot weather.

Here are some tips for growing cotoneaster:

• Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
• Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and summer.
• Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Prune after flowering to encourage new growth.

If you follow these tips, your cotoneaster should grow quickly and become a beautiful addition to your garden.

2. Is cotoneaster native to NZ?

Cotoneaster is not native to New Zealand. It is an introduced plant from Asia and Europe.

3. Which is the best cotoneaster tree?

The best cotoneaster tree for your needs will depend on the size and shape you want, your climate, and your personal preference. Here are a few options:

• Cotoneaster franchetii is a fast-growing, upright tree that can reach heights of up to 10 metres. It has glossy, green leaves and produces clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by red berries in autumn.
• Cotoneaster horizontalis is a slower-growing, rounded plant that typically reaches 2-3 metres tall. It has small, dark green leaves and produces clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by black berries in autumn.
• Cotoneaster lacteus is a medium-sized tree that typically reaches heights of 5-6 metres. It has glossy, green leaves and produces clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by red berries in autumn.

4. What is the best Cotoneaster for a fence?

Choosing the best Cotoneaster for a fence depends on several factors like your desired height, density, flower colour, and overall preferences. Here are some top options:

For fast-growing, dense coverage:

• Cotoneaster horizontalis: This classic wall cotoneaster grows horizontally, creating a thick, evergreen blanket with small, glossy leaves. It produces white flowers in spring and bright red berries in autumn. Ideal for covering short walls or fences up to 2-3 meters tall.
• Cotoneaster franchetii: This fast-growing variety boasts glossy green leaves and clusters of white flowers in early summer, followed by dark red berries. It can reach 3-4 meters tall and 2-3 meters wide, creating a full and dense hedge.

For vibrant berries and flower colors:

• Cotoneaster lacteus: This semi-evergreen option delivers stunning white flowers in spring and deep red berries in autumn. It grows to around 2 meters tall and wide, ideal for smaller hedges or borders.
• Cotoneaster 'Cornubia': This variety features large, glossy leaves that turn reddish-purple in autumn. It produces pink flowers in spring followed by orange berries, offering a vibrant color combination. Grows up to 4 meters tall and 3 meters wide, suitable for taller hedges.
• Cotoneaster microphyllus: This compact species thrives in sun or shade and requires minimal pruning. It features small, evergreen leaves and white flowers in spring, followed by black berries. Reaches around 1-2 meters tall and wide, perfect for low borders or edging.
• Cotoneaster watereri: This tolerant variety adapts to various soil conditions and requires minimal pruning. It produces white flowers in spring and red berries in autumn. Grows up to 3-4 meters tall and wide, suitable for taller hedges.

5. How big do spreading Cotoneaster get?

Spreading Cotoneaster, also known as Cotoneaster horizontalis, typically grows 4-7 feet tall (1.2-2.1 meters) at maturity. However, its low, arching branches tend to hug the ground, creating a more horizontal effect than its height suggests. The horizontal spread is often greater than the height, reaching 6-10 feet wide (1.8-3 meters). In ideal conditions, it can even spread wider, up to 15 feet (4.5 meters).

6. How big do Cotoneaster hedges get?

The size of Cotoneaster hedges depends on several factors, including the specific Cotoneaster variety used, growing conditions, and desired final height and width. Here's a breakdown to help:

Height:

• Common hedge varieties:
  • Cotoneaster franchetii: Reaches 3-4 meters tall (10-13 feet)
  • Cotoneaster lacteus: Grows to around 2 meters tall (6-7 feet)
  • Cotoneaster horizontalis: Spreads horizontally but can be trained to reach up to 2 meters tall (6-7 feet)
• Smaller options:
  • Cotoneaster microphyllus: Stays compact at 1-2 meters tall (3-6 feet)
  • Cotoneaster dammeri: Grows 1-1.5 meters tall (3-5 feet)

Width:

• Most Cotoneaster varieties tend to grow wider than they are tall, with many reaching a similar width to their height or even exceeding it.
• Cotoneaster horizontalis, as the name suggests, is known for its impressive horizontal spread and can reach up to 6-10 feet wide (18-30 meters) or even more in favourable conditions.