PSC 2620: Woody Trees and ShrubCourse HomeWeek 9

Cotoneaster dammeri - Bearberry Cotoneaster

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Bearberry Cotoneaster is a very low-growing, spreading groundcover. The leaf is small, less than 3/4 inch, and elliptic in shape. The leaves are dark green and glossy. Image: Pere Igor
The flower is small, 5-petaled and white. Red pome fruit appears profusely on the plant and is very showy.

Plant Description

Cotoneaster dammeri, or Bearberry Cotoneaster, is a low spreading shrub with a delicate texture and somewhat wild form. It is evergreen or semi-evergreen in our climate, depending upon the location where it is planted. It will grow only 18 inches high, but can spread up to 6 feet. It will naturally fill in a space because branches touching the ground will root and form new plants. It will grow quite dense and can be difficult to keep looking nice. In shady locations the internodes will become longer, and the plant becomes very leggy and woody looking.

The leaves are elliptic or oblong in shape, and small, being less than 3/4 inch long. They are a glossy dark green on top and an olive green beneath. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem. In the winter the leaves take on a purplish-tinge if they do not drop.

In the spring time, small white flowers (1/2 inch) appear profusely on the shrub. Following the flowers, red pome fruit forms. It does not appear in the same numbers, nor is at as showy a color, as on Cotoneaster apiculatus.

Landscape Use

Use for a groundcover, especially on gently sloping terrain, or plant in raised beds and rock garden for a trailing effect.

Points of Interest

It is susceptible to fireblight.

Notable Cultivars

Coral Beauty Produces large amounts of coral-red fruit. The flowering seems to be more profuse than other cultivars. Pictures above in 3d.