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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Cotoneaster horizontalis

Rockspray Cotoneaster

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)