groundcover RHS Award

Lowfast Bearberry Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster dammeri 'Lowfast'

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

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to average

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen groundcover

Native To

Central and western China

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities

The Story

Plant Bio

Cotoneaster dammeri is a species of prostrate, evergreen shrubs valued for their dense, ground-hugging habit, small glossy leaves, and attractive berries. They are tough and adaptable plants. 'Lowfast' is a particularly vigorous and fast-growing cultivar that forms a dense, low mat. It is excellent for covering large areas, controlling erosion on slopes, and features abundant white flowers followed by bright red berries.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its glossy evergreen leaves provide year-round texture, complemented by a profusion of small white flowers in spring and a spectacular display of bright red berries in fall and winter.

As a fast-growing, dense groundcover, 'Lowfast' is exceptionally effective for weed suppression and erosion control on steep banks and slopes, requiring very little maintenance once established.

The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, while the persistent red berries offer a crucial winter food source for birds like robins and waxwings.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a well-drained site in full sun or light shade.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch around the plant to conserve moisture.
Water regularly for the first season until established.

Pro Tip

Space plants 3-5 feet apart; their fast-growing, rooting stems will quickly fill in to form a solid mat.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide good air circulation to minimize disease risk.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.
Shear back as needed to maintain a tidy appearance or contain its spread.

Don't

Avoid planting in soggy, poorly drained locations.
Don't overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Avoid overhead watering late in the day to prevent fungal diseases.

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

Tough erosion control for slopesDense evergreen groundcoverCascading over retaining walls

Companion Plants

Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' Yucca filamentosa Sedum spectabile Pennisetum alopecuroides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lowfast Bearberry Cotoneaster questions

What zones can Lowfast Bearberry Cotoneaster grow in?

Lowfast Bearberry Cotoneaster is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Lowfast Bearberry Cotoneaster deer resistant?

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

When does Lowfast Bearberry Cotoneaster bloom?

Lowfast Bearberry 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 Lowfast Bearberry Cotoneaster need full sun?

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

Is Lowfast Bearberry Cotoneaster drought tolerant?

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