Cotoneaster salicifolius 'Scarlet Leader'

groundcover

Willowleaf Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster salicifolius 'Scarlet Leader'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

12 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Western China

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in quantity.

The Story

Plant Bio

Cotoneaster salicifolius is a vigorous, evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub with long, arching branches and narrow, willow-like, glossy dark green leaves. It produces clusters of white flowers followed by masses of red berries. 'Scarlet Leader' is a low-growing, fast-spreading groundcover form. It creates a dense mat of foliage that is excellent for suppressing weeds and holds its glossy green leaves through winter, often taking on a purplish tinge in cold weather.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Offers year-round interest with its glossy evergreen foliage, which often turns purplish-bronze in winter. Abundant white spring flowers are followed by a spectacular display of bright red berries that persist into winter.

This is a premier, tough-as-nails groundcover for large areas and slopes. Its dense, mat-forming habit is highly effective for weed suppression and erosion control on banks.

The flowers provide a nectar source for bees in spring, and the profuse berries are a critical food source for birds during the winter when other food is scarce.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in sun or part shade with well-drained soil.
Space plants 4-6 feet apart for groundcover use.
Dig a hole and plant at the same depth as the container.
Water well after planting and for the first season.
Once established, it is highly drought tolerant.
Pruning is only needed to keep it in bounds.

Pro Tip

Plant on a slope or bank and let it spread. Its fast growth and dense nature make it an ideal, low-maintenance solution for covering large areas.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it plenty of room to spread.
Use it to cover large, difficult-to-mow areas.
Provide good drainage.
Plant in fall or spring.

Don't

Don't plant it in a small, confined space.
Avoid planting in poorly drained, wet soils.
Be aware of its potential invasiveness in certain climates.
Don't overwater once established.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fast-growing evergreen groundcoverExcellent for bank and slope stabilizationWeed-suppressing mass planting

Companion Plants

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy' Yucca filamentosa Pennisetum alopecuroides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Willowleaf Cotoneaster questions

What zones can Willowleaf Cotoneaster grow in?

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 Willowleaf Cotoneaster deer resistant?

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

When does Willowleaf Cotoneaster bloom?

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

Does Willowleaf Cotoneaster need full sun?

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

Is Willowleaf Cotoneaster drought tolerant?

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