Species

Cotoneaster dammeriBearberry Cotoneaster

3 other cultivars

groundcover

Bearberry Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster dammeri 'Radicans'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cotoneaster dammeri is a prostrate, mat-forming evergreen shrub native to the rocky mountain regions and cliff sides of central and southern China. The species spreads via stiff, slender trailing branches that root at the nodes upon contact with the soil, creating a dense, soil-stabilizing ground cover.

'Radicans' is distinguished by its exceptionally low, flat growth habit, reaching only four to twelve inches in height with a spread up to eight feet. Its small, leathery, dark green leaves turn reddish-bronze to purple in winter, providing year-round color beneath solitary white flowers and persistent red winter berries.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, year-round carpet of glossy green foliage that turns attractive purplish tones in winter, accented by white spring flowers and red winter berries.

The rooting prostrate stems bind soil exceptionally well, making it an excellent choice for erosion control on steep slopes and rocky banks.

Flowers attract native bees and beneficial insect pollinators, while the persistent red winter berries provide food for local birds and small mammals.

SpeciesCotoneaster dammeriBearberry Cotoneaster

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

12"

Width

96"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

China

Toxicity

Low risk (seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides)

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with sharply-drained loam or sandy soil.
Space plants five to eight feet apart to allow the trailing stems room to spread and root at the nodes.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around young plants to suppress weeds until the dense mat forms.

Pro Tip

Never shear this ground cover into tight, formal shapes; constant shearing ruins the natural layered branch architecture and leaves bare, woody patches that fail to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune selectively in late winter to remove dead wood or control stray trailing stems.
Plant on slopes or embankments where high drainage prevents waterlogging.
Monitor foliage in hot, dry summers for spider mites and lace bugs.

Don't

Do not plant in low-lying areas or heavy clay soils that retain standing water.
Do not over-fertilize, as excess nitrogen triggers soft, lush growth vulnerable to fire blight.
Do not shear into old, leafless interior wood, which lacks active buds to regrow.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Erosion ControlRock GardenSlopes and BanksGroundcover

Companion Plants

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Sedum ternatum Pachysandra procumbens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bearberry Cotoneaster questions

What zones can Bearberry Cotoneaster grow in?

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.

When does Bearberry Cotoneaster bloom?

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

Does Bearberry Cotoneaster need full sun?

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

Is Bearberry Cotoneaster drought tolerant?

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