Cotoneaster dammeri — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Cotoneaster dammeri

Cotoneaster Dammeri

Updated · 1,950 observations
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Cotoneaster dammeri: A Versatile Ornamental Shrub Cotoneaster dammeri is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Native to China, it has become popular worldwide due to its attractive foliage and berries. This plant features small, glossy, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped, growing in an alternate pattern along its stems. In late spring or early summer, it produces small white or pink flowers, which are later followed by bright red berries that persist throughout the winter. Cotoneaster dammeri is a hardy plant, tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade, and can adapt to various soil types. This shrub is versatile and can be used as ground cover or as an accent plant in rock gardens, borders, and containers. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance but benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape. While generally safe for humans when consumed in small quantities, Cotoneaster dammeri should be kept away from pets, as it can be toxic if ingested by dogs or cats. Overall, this versatile shrub adds beauty and interest to any landscape with its year-round appeal. The seasonal coloration changes, along with its attractive flowers and berries, make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants with ornamental value.

A note from PlantMom

Bearberry cotoneaster shows strong resistance to disease and is typically not vulnerable to illnesses. As for upkeep, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Bearberry cotoneaster is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Cotoneaster Dammeri.

Light

Bearberry cotoneaster favors locations that receive sunlight for most of the day. It can also grow well in areas where sunlight is intermittent rather than continuous. Excessive sun exposure is not harmful, but insufficient light can slow its growth. It originates from well-lit ecosystems.

Water

Bearberry cotoneaster, native to arid regions, is drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal water. It only needs watering every 2 to 3 weeks. This plant is usually grown outdoors, where it can take advantage of natural rainfall. Its evergreen foliage helps retain moisture, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.

Temperature

Bearberry cotoneaster is native to climates where temperatures range from 32 to 77 °F (0 to 25 °C). It prefers moderate temperatures. In unusually cold or hot conditions, try to give it extra protection or place it in a shady, cooler spot.

Fertilizer

Timing is essential when fertilizing Bearberry cotoneaster. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly until early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant periods and active growth phases.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Cotoneaster
Family
Rosaceae
Hardiness Zone
2-6
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
1.22 m to 1.83 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer
Native Area
China
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Bearberry Cotoneaster en Carpet Cotoneaster ar شیر خشت زینتی فرشی، ar شیرخشت
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Bearberry cotoneaster plant?

Your Bearberry cotoneaster is not particular about how you water it. You can use common watering tools like watering cans, hoses, or even cups. It's best to water the plant by directly applying water to the soil. Make sure to moisten all areas of the soil evenly to provide water to all parts of the root system. Using filtered water is recommended as tap water may contain harmful particles. Additionally, using water that is at or slightly above room temperature is beneficial as extremely cold or hot water can shock the Bearberry cotoneaster. However, this plant usually responds well to any type of water you give it.

Why should I put fertilizer on my Bearberry cotoneaster?

Regular fertilization is important for all types of Bearberry cotoneaster plants. It helps promote overall plant health, leading to stronger growth and increased resilience to challenging growing conditions. By supplying the proper nutrients, you can also help your Bearberry cotoneaster fight off diseases and pests. Since the foliage is one of the most attractive features of this plant, it is crucial to maintain its health. To achieve this, establish a regular fertilization schedule tailored specifically for your Bearberry cotoneaster. This will result in vibrant, deeply colored leaves and an overall lush appearance.

What are the sunlight requirements for Bearberry Cotoneaster?

Bearberry Cotoneaster thrives with ample sunlight. It requires 'Full sun' conditions of above 6 hours of sunlight daily or 'Partial sun' of about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's essential to monitor how sunlight moves through your garden to ensure you're providing the optimal balance of light and shade, as this is key to the plant's health. Despite its preference for well-lit environments, Bearberry Cotoneaster can also grow in areas where sunlight is fragmented. An inadequacy of light might slow down its growth, yet it is quite resilient to overexposure to sunlight.

What climates are suitable for Bearberry Cotoneaster?

Bearberry cotoneaster thrives in climates with temperatures ranging from 32 to 77 °F (0 to 25 °C), preferring moderate temperatures. Although it is highly cold-tolerant, in extremely cold or hot conditions, providing it with extra protection or creating a shady and cooler environment is beneficial. Before the first freeze in autumn, it's advisable to water the plant generously to help ensure the soil is moist when it freezes. This practice helps to avoid drought and water scarcity for the plant during winter and early spring.

What should I do if I give my Bearberry cotoneaster too much water or too little water?

For outdoor plants, especially newly planted ones or seedlings, lack of watering can be a common issue. It is important to remember to water them consistently for a few months until the tree is established. Once the roots are strong, the Bearberry cotoneaster can usually rely on rainwater. When the Bearberry cotoneaster is planted in pots, overwatering is more likely to happen. If you accidentally overwater your plant, it is important to take immediate action. First, stop watering it to minimize the effects. Then, remove the plant from its pot to check the roots. If there is no root rot, you can return it to its container. If there is root rot, trim the affected roots and use a fungicide to prevent further damage. Lastly, repot the Bearberry cotoneaster in well-draining soil. In the case of underwatering, simply water the plant more frequently. This is an easy fix for drooping and dried-out leaves, which will quickly regain fullness after sufficient watering. It is important to adjust your watering frequency as soon as you notice underwatering.

When should I fertilize my Bearberry cotoneaster plant?

To ensure healthy growth for your Bearberry cotoneaster, the first time to fertilize is in late winter or early spring. This provides the necessary nutrients for growth once the weather warms up. If you live in a warm climate region, it is beneficial to fertilize again in early fall. This adds nutrients for the following growing season and helps the plant withstand winter cold without damage to its foliage. Fertilizing earlier in the fall ensures enough time for new branches to grow and withstand the cold winter.

How does artificial lighting affect indoor Bearberry Cotoneaster plants?

Indoor Bearberry Cotoneaster plants require sufficient lighting to grow optimally, especially in conditions where natural sunlight is inadequate, such as during winter or in less sunny spaces. Artificial lights, especially LED lights which provide specific wavelengths of light tailored to plant needs, are essential. Full sun plants need an intensity of 30-50W/sq ft, while partial sun plants require 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, mirroring natural sunlight conditions, with a duration of 8-12 hours of light per day to promote healthier, faster growth.

What should I do if the temperature drops below -40°C?

Bearberry cotoneaster is very cold-tolerant; however, if winter temperatures drop below -40°C, the plant's branches may become brittle and dry by spring, failing to produce new shoots. In the spring, it's recommended to prune away any dead branches that have not produced new leaves to encourage healthy growth.

How frequently should I water my Bearberry cotoneaster plant?

When it comes to outdoor plants, most of them can grow fine with natural rainfall. However, if your area doesn't get much rain, you should make sure to water your plants adequately. During the spring and fall, watering every two weeks should be enough. In the summer, you'll need to water more frequently. In the winter, when plants don't need as much water, you can cut back on watering. In fact, you may not need to water at all during the winter. If you have a young or newly planted Bearberry cotoneaster, it's important to water more frequently to help it establish and grow. For potted plants like the Bearberry cotoneaster, there are two ways to determine how often to water. One option is to follow a set schedule, like watering once a week or every other week. However, this may not always take into account the specific conditions of your plant's environment. Another approach is to base your watering frequency on the moisture of the soil. It's generally best to wait until the top two to four inches of soil have completely dried out before watering again. This guideline may vary depending on the season, as the plant's water needs are highest in summer.

When is it not a good idea to fertilize my Bearberry cotoneaster?

There are specific times of the year when you should avoid fertilizing your Bearberry cotoneaster. The first period is during the early and mid-winter months when the plant is dormant and does not require feeding. It is also not recommended to fertilize during late spring and throughout the summer because the weather tends to be hotter and drier, which can have a negative impact on the plant's response to fertilization. To prevent any issues, it is best to follow a fertilization schedule that focuses on feeding only in early spring and early fall.

What are the symptoms of inadequate light exposure in Bearberry Cotoneaster?

Bearberry Cotoneaster may demonstrate several symptoms if it isn't receiving enough sunlight. These symptoms include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, delayed or halted new growth, and lighter-colored new leaves. Excessive sunlight can also lead to issues such as chlorosis, where leaves turn yellow due to chlorophyll breakdown; sunscald, resulting in pale or necrotic plant tissue; leaf curling as a defense against water loss; wilting from rapid water loss; and leaf scorching, indicated by brown or crispy leaf edges. These symptoms highlight the significance of monitoring and adjusting the plant's light exposure to sustain its health.

How does high temperature affect Bearberry Cotoneaster and what can I do?

Bearberry cotoneaster is not tolerant of high temperatures. When the temperature exceeds 25°C, the plant may experience significant leaf drop, and in severe cases, it could wither and die. To mitigate this, trim away any sunburned and dried-up parts of the plant. Additionally, moving the plant to a location that offers shade from the midday and afternoon sun, or using a shade cloth, can help. Ensuring the soil remains moist by watering the plant in the morning and evening is also beneficial.

PLATES
Cotoneaster dammeri leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Cotoneaster dammeri leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Cotoneaster dammeri flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Cotoneaster dammeri flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Cotoneaster dammeri fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Cotoneaster dammeri fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
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