Sungari redbead cotoneaster
Cotoneaster racemiflorus var. soongoricus
Sungari redbead cotoneaster (Cotoneaster racemiflorus var. soongoricus) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6 to 10 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Large arching shrub with white spring flowers and persistent red berries; excellent for screens or hedges.
Plant Select®low water6 to 10 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wideXeric / water-wise
Photos
- Photo 1: El Grafo, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 2: El Grafo, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: El Grafo, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4 to 7
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5 to 8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control, Hellstrips / parking strips
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 6 to 10 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~10 ft apart (7 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Moderate
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Deciduous
What it will do to your yard
- Hedge use
- Informal hedge or screen
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.
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
Drought-tolerant once established; tolerates poor soil.
- Pruning: light.
- Fruit: ornamental.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sungari redbead cotoneaster good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Sungari redbead cotoneaster is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Sungari redbead 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 Sungari redbead cotoneaster get?
- It matures to about 6 to 10 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Sungari redbead cotoneaster?
- Space Sungari redbead cotoneaster about 10 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 7 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Sungari redbead cotoneaster hardy on the Front Range?
- Sungari redbead 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 Sungari redbead cotoneaster need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Sungari redbead cotoneaster grow?
- Sungari redbead cotoneaster is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Sungari redbead cotoneaster native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Sungari redbead cotoneaster prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Sungari redbead 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.
- Is Sungari redbead cotoneaster a good hedge plant?
- Yes, as an informal hedge. Sungari redbead cotoneaster works best as a relaxed hedge or screen kept to its natural form rather than sheared into a tight box.
