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Cotoneaster salicifolius 'Repens'

Phonetic Spelling
koh-toh-nee-ASS-ter sal-iss-ih-FOH-lee-us
Description

'Repens' is a low-growing groundcover with dark-green lustrous leaves that may be semi-evergreen in severe winters. It is similar to Willowleaf Cotoneaster but grows only to 1 foot tall with an eight-foot spread. Tolerant of most soils but prefers loose well-drained soil. Very drought tolerant and used on banks and slopes that are hard to mow. It is a fast grower and needs plenty of room to spread.

Masses of white flowers are produced in spring and are followed by showy red fruits that persist into winter. The 1-inch leaves are smaller than Willow Cotoneaster and are glossy dark green. They may take on a purplish hue in winter.

Quick ID Hints:

  • Low-growing, fountain-like, evergreen shrub
  • Branching occurs in 1 plane- herringbone pattern 
  • The Red berry has 5-pointed star at the end
  • Alternate, elliptic-oblong leaves

Please consider planting natives. See alternate choices to the left.

 

More information on Cotoneaster salicifolius.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#low growing#shrub#easy to grow#low maintenance#slopes#showy fruits#stream banks#spreading#fantz
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#low growing#shrub#easy to grow#low maintenance#slopes#showy fruits#stream banks#spreading#fantz
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Cotoneaster
    Species:
    salicifolius
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
  • 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:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Pome
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Produces large amounts of showy red pome fruits that persist into winter.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Corymb
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Saucer
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small white flowers appear in clusters in May. Individual flowers are 1/4 inch and have a weakly fetid odor.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Lanceolate
    Oblong
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    1-2 inch leaves are dark green with a gray pubescent underside. They are alternate, simple and elliptic-oblong.
  • Bark:
    Bark Description:
    Grayish brown bark
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Slender stems that branch in one plane.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Recreational Play Area
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Salt