groundcover

Tom Thumb Creeping Cotoneaster

Name: Tom Thumb Creeping Cotoneaster
Brand: Cotoneaster
Availability: InStock

Cotoneaster adpressus 'Tom Thumb'

$30.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

12 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

Western China

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Creeping cotoneaster is a low-growing, deciduous shrub with stiff, arching branches that root where they touch the ground, valued for its small leaves, tiny pink flowers, and red berries. 'Tom Thumb' is a dwarf, slow-growing selection with a very dense, undulating habit and smaller leaves that turn a brilliant reddish-purple in fall.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A superb miniature shrub whose main appeal is its dense, textured, undulating form. The tiny glossy leaves provide a fine texture, turning a brilliant burgundy-red in fall. Small pink flowers are followed by sparse but attractive red berries.

Its tough, drought-tolerant nature and low, spreading habit make it an excellent groundcover for difficult, sunny spots like rock gardens, slopes, or cascading over walls. It requires virtually no maintenance once established.

The small spring flowers provide nectar for bees and other small pollinators. The red berries that persist into winter offer a food source for birds after other foods have become scarce.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Rocky Knoll Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$30.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a sunny location with excellent drainage.
Dig a hole slightly wider and just as deep as the pot.
Gently remove the plant and loosen any circling roots.
Place the plant in the hole, making sure it's at the same depth.
Backfill with soil and press firmly.
Water well after planting to settle the soil.

Pro Tip

Plant it where its unique, mounding form can cascade over rocks or walls; it needs no pruning to maintain its shape.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best fall color and berry production.
Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
Water occasionally during severe drought once established.
Allow it to grow into its natural, undulating form.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet, or poorly drained soils.
Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases.
Don't fertilize; it thrives in lean soil.
Avoid planting in areas with known fire blight issues.

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

Unique groundcover for rock gardensCascading feature over retaining wallsLow-maintenance filler for tight spaces

Companion Plants

Sempervivum Sedum Juniperus horizontalis Thymus serpyllum Dianthus gratianopolitanus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tom Thumb Creeping Cotoneaster questions

What zones can Tom Thumb Creeping Cotoneaster grow in?

Tom Thumb Creeping Cotoneaster is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tom Thumb Creeping Cotoneaster deer resistant?

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

When does Tom Thumb Creeping Cotoneaster bloom?

Tom Thumb Creeping 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 Tom Thumb Creeping Cotoneaster need full sun?

Tom Thumb Creeping Cotoneaster does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Tom Thumb Creeping Cotoneaster drought tolerant?

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