Cranberry Cotoneaster Cotoneaster apiculatus

Cranberry Cotoneaster is a dense, broad upright mounding deciduous shrub or tall groundcover from China. The common name refers to the red cranberry like fruits that appear in the fall and persist into the early winter. 

Plant in sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Its spreading habit make it an excellent choice as a ground cover where the spread can flourish, providing erosion control.  It also makes a showy display along the top of walls on in a large planter, its cascading habit at its best.  It tolerates a range of site conditions except for wet ones. It doesn't do well in hot humid climates of the deep south.

It is primarily grown for its showy red fruits which appear in the fall after spring flowers. The small glossy green leaves add additional interest with nice fall color.The shrub will mature at 3 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide

Its resistance to rabbits, compaction, pollution and salt make it a versatile plant.  It is drought tolerant once established and can be used for erosion control on banks as the stems root where they touch the ground.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Prone to spider mites in dry weather.  Web worms can also be a problem.  Minimal issues with fire blight. 

If eaten, the fruits can cause an upset stomach.

Its low, arching and multi-stemmed habit tends to cause debris to collect and weeds to be an issue.  A layer of mulch can help prevent weeds.