Cranberry cotoneaster
Cotoneaster apiculatus
Cranberry cotoneaster (Cotoneaster apiculatus) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12 to 36 in tall and 36 to 72 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Tough low-spreading shrub-groundcover. Red berries + brilliant red fall color. Great for slopes.
On the CSU listlow to medium water12 to 36 in tall and 36 to 72 in wideXeric / water-wise
Photos
- Photo 1: "<div class='fn'> Cotoneaster apiculatus</div>" by Denver Botanic Gardens is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en.
- Photo 2: "Cotoneaster apiculatus, 2015" by F. D. Richards is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: "Cotoneaster apiculatus, 2015" by F. D. Richards is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 4: "Cotoneaster apiculatus, 2015" by F. D. Richards is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 5: "190909 067 Chicago Botanic Gdn - Bulb Gdn, Cotoneaster apiculatus Cranberry Cotoneaster, Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Rocketman' Russian Sage" by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 6: "Chicago Botanic Gdn, Landscape Gdn, perimeter walkway 180721 256 Cotoneaster 'Hessei', Salvia splendens 'Saucy Salmon', Cotoneaster apiculatus" by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4 to 7
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 12 to 36 in tall and 36 to 72 in wide
- Growth habit
- Spreading
- Planting spacing
- ~50 to 72 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Bloom color
- pink
- Fall color
- Red
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Winter cover
- Partial winter cover
What it will do to your yard
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Things to know before you plant
- Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
Using Cranberry cotoneaster as a groundcover
Cranberry cotoneaster spreads steadily. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds. On a slope it helps knit the soil together and control erosion.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Fireblight
- Oystershell scale
- Pear sawfly (pearslug)
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week first summer to establish. After establishment, water 1 to 2×/month during dry stretches.
- Fruit: wildlife (birds/wildlife).
Frequently asked questions
- Is Cranberry cotoneaster good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Cranberry cotoneaster is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Cranberry cotoneaster?
- The main things to know: It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
- How big does Cranberry cotoneaster get?
- It matures to about 12 to 36 in tall and 36 to 72 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Cranberry cotoneaster?
- Space Cranberry cotoneaster about 50 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 72 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Cranberry cotoneaster hardy on the Front Range?
- Cranberry cotoneaster is hardy in USDA 4 to 7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Cranberry cotoneaster need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- What color does Cranberry cotoneaster turn in fall?
- Cranberry cotoneaster turns red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Cranberry cotoneaster native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Cranberry cotoneaster prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Cranberry cotoneaster can be affected by fireblight and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
- Can you walk on Cranberry cotoneaster?
- Cranberry cotoneaster isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Can Cranberry cotoneaster replace a lawn?
- Yes, Cranberry cotoneaster works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Cranberry cotoneaster spread or stay put?
- Cranberry cotoneaster is spreading. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Cranberry cotoneaster stay green in winter?
- Cranberry cotoneaster keeps partial cover through Front Range winters.
- Is Cranberry cotoneaster good for a slope?
- Yes. Cranberry cotoneaster helps hold soil on Front Range slopes and control erosion once its roots knit in.
