Bearberry Cotoneaster Cotoneaster dammeri
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- koh-toh-nee-ASS-ter dah-MER-ee
- Description
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Bearberry cotoneaster is an easy to grow evergreen to semi-evergreen low growing spreading shrub that can reach 1-2 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It grows from a central root system, with a trailing habit that will root along the ground as is grows and spreads. New shoots are formed where rooting occurs. Over time, a thicket can be formed.
Due to the rooting capabilities of Bearberry cotoneaster, the easiest method of propagation can be accomplished by layering. This is typically done in the fall. Softwood cuttings in the early summer is another successful method.
The small, insignificant, white spring flowers boom in May and are followed by red fruits that persist into winter. Fall leaf color is reddish-bronze to purple. It prefers well-drained soils and is adaptable to various soil types.
Effective in rock gardens and low banks for erosion control. It is drought tolerant once established and will quickly cover an area. Prune as needed to prevent a ragged appearance.
Quick ID Hints:
- Low-growing evergreen shrub with prostrate twigs
- Small, elliptic-oblong leaves on dwarf shoots
- The red berry has a 5-pointed star at the end
- Branching occurs in all planes
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Prone to attack by lace bugs. Spider mites can occur in dry conditions. Scale and fireblight can also affect this plant.
May need protection in locations with colder climates.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Coral Beauty'
- 'Coral Beauty'
- 'Coral Beauty'
- Tags:










- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Coral Beauty'
- 'Coral Beauty'
- 'Coral Beauty'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cotoneaster
- Species:
- dammeri
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Layering
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Tibet to Central China
- Wildlife Value:
- Attracts birds, butterflies.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Defines Paths
- Easy to Grow
- Textural
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Creeping
- Horizontal
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- 3 feet-6 feet
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Winter
- Fruit Type:
- Pome
- Fruit Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Description:
- 1-4 inch red berries with a 5-pointed star at the end appear in summer and persist into winter. The crop is sometimes small.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Saucer
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- 5 petaled 1/2 inch white flowers with purple anthers
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Oblong
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- 1 1/4 inch long and 5/8 inch wide glossy green leaves have gray-green undersides. Fall color is bronzy-red to purplish.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Brown
- Light Gray
- Bark Description:
- The bark is a light gray to light brown.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Fine, pubescent when young, changing to reddish-brown at maturity. It branches in all planes.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Patio
- Pool/Hardscape
- Riparian
- Rock Wall
- Slope/Bank
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Erosion