1 named cultivar

‘Tom Thumb’Tom Thumb Creeping Cotoneaster

groundcover

Creeping Cotoneaster

The Story

Plant Bio

Cotoneaster adpressus, creeping cotoneaster, is a low deciduous shrub from Asia, six to twelve inches high and spreading three to six feet. Small dark green ovate leaves with wavy margins turn red in autumn on stems that hug the ground and cascade over edges, and pink-white flowers in spring give way to dark red berries.

It hugs the ground so tightly that it moulds over rocks and wall edges, which makes it more useful for softening hard landscaping than most groundcovers. Autumn leaf colour and persistent red berries give it two more seasons of interest. Like all cotoneasters it is vulnerable to fireblight, so prune only in dry weather and disinfect between cuts.

Uses & Benefits:

A tight ground-hugging mat with red autumn colour and persistent dark red berries.

Moulds over rock and hard edges better than most groundcovers, and needs almost no attention.

Bees work the spring flowers and birds favour the berries through autumn.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

9 inches

Width

54 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if eaten in quantity

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun or partial shade in drained soil.
Use it over rocks, walls and raised bed edges.
Space plants three feet apart to knit together.
Water at soil level rather than over the foliage.
Cut fireblight out well below the damage.
Prune only in dry weather, disinfecting tools.

Pro Tip

It moulds itself over rock and wall edges rather than mounding, which is what makes it better than most covers for softening hard edges.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use it to soften rock and wall edges 🧱
Water at soil level 💧
Prune in dry weather only ✂️
Leave berries for birds 🐦

Don't

Water overhead ❌
Prune during wet spring weather ❌
Compost blighted prunings ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Enjoy
Inspect

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Groundcover over rocks and wall topsCascading over raised beds and retaining wallsLow cover on a sunny bank

Companion Plants

Creeping Juniper SedumBlue Fescue Creeping Thyme Dianthus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Creeping Cotoneaster questions

What zones can Creeping Cotoneaster grow in?

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 Creeping Cotoneaster deer resistant?

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

When does Creeping Cotoneaster bloom?

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 Creeping Cotoneaster need full sun?

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

Is Creeping Cotoneaster drought tolerant?

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