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Key characteristics

Family: Rosaceae
Height: 6 to 12 in
Width: 24 to 36 in
Flower color: Small white to creamy white flowers
Foliage color: Glossy dark green leaves that may take on bronze or reddish tones in winter
Bloom time: Late spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate moisture
Maintenance: Low; light pruning to shape or control spread after flowering
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 7
Wildlife: Bees and other pollinators in spring; birds eat the red berries in fall and winter

Groundcovers

Cotoneaster dammeri

Bearberry Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster dammeri is a low-growing evergreen shrub with trailing stems that root as they spread, forming a dense mat of glossy, dark green leaves. In late spring, small white flowers appear along the stems, each with soft pink tinges and prominent stamens that add fine detail to the foliage.

Blooming in late spring, this species originates from mountainous regions of China. It is widely used as a groundcover on slopes, banks, and retaining walls, where its spreading habit helps knit plantings together. Bright red berries develop after flowering and often persist into winter, providing long-lasting seasonal color and visual interest.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate moisture

Bloom time

Late spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Pollinator Gardens
Rock Gardens
Borders
Deer-Prone Areas

Companion plants

Junipers · Dwarf conifers · Sedums · Blue fescues · Lavender · Rockroses

Design tip

Plant this spreading shrub where it can flow naturally over retaining walls, berms, or raised planting beds. The cascading branches soften hard edges while visually connecting changes in elevation, giving the landscape a more natural and established appearance.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)