Overview & Description

The Cranberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster apiculatus) is a low-growing, dense, deciduous shrub prized for its year-round beauty and spreading habit. Its small, rounded, glossy dark green leaves (less than 1 inch) create a fine texture.  In late spring, small pinkish-white flowers appear, adding delicate charm. The foliage transforms into showy shades of red, purple, and bronze in autumn. The common name comes from the abundant, glossy, cranberry-red fruit (pomes) that mature in late summer and persist into winter, providing striking contrast and attracting birds.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits a stiffly arching, spreading, and broad-upright to mounding growth habit. It is a slow-growing shrub, typically reaching a mature size of about 2 to 3 feet in height with a spread of 3 to 6 feet. Its branches root where they touch the ground, making it effective for erosion control.

Additional Notes

It blooms in late spring (May-June). Exceptionally hardy to Zone 4, it tolerates drought, salt, alkaline soil, and pollution once established, though it must have well-drained soil and cannot tolerate wet sites. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is low-maintenance but can be susceptible to spider mites and fireblight. An outstanding choice for ground cover, banks, rock gardens, foundation plantings, and cascading over walls.