Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Cotoneaster horizontalis
Rockspray Cotoneaster
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 feet
- Width
- 6 to 8 feet
- Flower color
- Pink
- Foliage color
- Glossy green, turning red in the fall
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; tolerates pruning, poor soils, and is drought resistant once established
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Bees and birds are drawn to its flowers and bright red berries
About this plant
Cotoneaster horizontalis is a low-growing, deciduous shrub renowned for its distinct herringbone-patterned branches. The glossy dark green leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and red in autumn, creating a vivid seasonal display. During late spring, the plant blooms with small pink-tinged white flowers, which add a delicate touch to the dense foliage.
Following the flowers, vibrant red berries appear, persisting into autumn and sometimes through winter, providing visual interest and a food source for wildlife. Native to China and the Himalayas, Cotoneaster horizontalis is often used for ground cover or wall plantings due to its spreading growth habit and adaptability to a range of conditions.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Rock Gardens · Slopes & Banks · Wildlife Gardens
Companion plants
Manzanita · California lilac · Poppy · Foxtail lily · Oregano · Globe artichoke
Design tip
The distinctive herringbone branching is worth showcasing rather than concealing beneath neighboring plants. Draped over a low wall or allowed to spread across a slope, the branching pattern remains visible while red berries and fiery autumn foliage emphasize its layered structure later in the season.
