groundcover RHS Award

Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster salicifolius 'Repens'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

18 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

20-40 years

Native To

China (species)

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Cotoneaster salicifolius, the willow-leaved cotoneaster, is a large evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub with arching branches and distinctive long, narrow leaves. 'Repens' is a prostrate, ground-hugging variety that typically grows only 1-2 feet tall but spreads widely. It is prized for its graceful, arching stems, glossy foliage, and profuse crops of bright red berries.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This plant is highly valued for its elegant, arching habit and handsome, willow-like evergreen foliage. It produces clusters of white flowers in spring, but its main show is the spectacular display of abundant, bright red berries that cover the branches in fall and winter.

An outstanding groundcover for large-scale plantings and for erosion control on slopes and banks. Its dense, spreading nature effectively smothers weeds once established. It is also highly tolerant of urban pollution and coastal conditions.

The flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects. The berries are a critical late-season food source for a wide variety of birds, including cedar waxwings, mockingbirds, and robins.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun for best berry production.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend if necessary.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole at the same level it was in the pot.
Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water deeply.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds as it establishes.

Pro Tip

Give it plenty of room to spread; its beauty lies in its long, arching branches, so avoid shearing it.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first year.
Once established, water only during severe drought.
Prune out any dead or diseased wood as it appears.
Allow it to develop its natural, graceful form.

Don't

Don't plant in waterlogged soil.
Avoid frequent, shallow watering.
Do not shear into a formal shape; it ruins the habit.
Avoid planting in areas known to have issues with fire blight.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant groundcover for large areasEffective for stabilizing banks and slopesCascades beautifully over walls and rockeries

Companion Plants

Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy' Picea pungens 'Globosa' Spiraea 'Magic Carpet' Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio' Viburnum davidii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster questions

What zones can Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster grow in?

Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster is hardy in USDA Zones 6–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster deer resistant?

Yes — Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster bloom?

Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster need full sun?

Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.