Plant Library

Other Names:  Rock Cotoneaster, Rockspray Cotoneaster

Description:

A choice spreading groundcover for gardens or massing, features dense, dark green foliage on 'herringbone' branches, light red flowers in spring and large brilliant red fruit in fall; one of the more popular and attractive groundcovers

Ornamental Features

Hesse Cotoneaster is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. It features an abundance of magnificent red berries from late summer to late fall. It features tiny clusters of pink flowers along the branches in mid spring. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The tiny glossy round leaves turn an outstanding brick red in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Hesse Cotoneaster is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects

Hesse Cotoneaster is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Hesse Cotoneaster will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 7 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.