Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Cotoneaster horizontalis 'Cheney'
Cheney Rockspray Cotoneaster
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 feet
- Width
- 3 to 4 feet
- Flower color
- Pink
- Foliage color
- Variegated green leaves with creamy white edges
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune after flowering to maintain shape and size
- Growing zone
- Zones 5 to 7
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and birds, particularly for its berries in fall
About this plant
Cotoneaster horizontalis 'Cheney' is a low-growing, spreading shrub known for its variegated foliage and charming blooms. The leaves are a striking combination of green with creamy white edges, providing year-round interest. In late spring to early summer, the shrub produces small pink flowers that contrast beautifully with the foliage, followed by bright red berries in the fall.
Native to Asia, Cotoneaster horizontalis is typically found in rocky, well-drained soils, making it a hardy and adaptable plant. The 'Cheney' cultivar is particularly valued for its ornamental qualities, with the variegated leaves and colorful berries providing continuous seasonal appeal. This shrub is an excellent choice for ground cover, cascading over walls, or as part of a mixed shrub border, where it offers both visual interest and wildlife benefits.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Rock Gardens · Slopes & Banks · Wildlife Gardens
Companion plants
Oleaster · Mexican orange blossom · Sneezeweed · Black-eyed Susan · Sea thrift · Common sage
Design tip
Creamy-edged foliage gives this spreading cotoneaster a lighter appearance than the species, making it especially attractive against dark stone or evergreen foliage. Cascading over a wall allows the variegation to remain visible while pink flowers and red berries add changing points of color.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
