Species

Cotoneaster dammeriBearberry Cotoneaster

1 other cultivar

‘Lowfast’Lowfast Bearberry Cotoneaster

groundcover

Streibs Findling Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster dammeri 'Streibs Findling'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cotoneaster dammeri, or bearberry cotoneaster, is a prostrate, spreading evergreen shrub valued for its ability to form a dense mat of foliage, making it an excellent groundcover.

'Streibs Findling' is a superior selection, noted for being even lower, flatter, and more compact than the species. It has smaller leaves and a very dense habit, creating a tight, weed-suppressing carpet.

Uses & Benefits:

This cotoneaster provides excellent, fine-textured, evergreen foliage year-round. It is dotted with small white flowers in spring, followed by a showy display of bright red berries in the fall that persist into winter, offering multi-season interest.

Its dense, prostrate growth habit makes it one of the best groundcovers for suppressing weeds and controlling soil erosion on steep banks and slopes. It is extremely tough and tolerant of poor soils and drought.

The spring flowers are a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators. The autumn berries provide an important food source for birds like robins and waxwings, especially in late winter when other foods are scarce.

SpeciesCotoneaster dammeriBearberry Cotoneaster

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

3 inches

Width

54 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

20-30 years

Native To

China (species)

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in quantity

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart to allow for spread.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill, firm the soil, and water in well.
Water regularly for the first year to establish a deep root system.

Pro Tip

Plant it at the top of a wall or in a raised bed to allow its long, prostrate stems to cascade dramatically.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide good drainage; it dislikes wet feet.
Water during prolonged droughts, even when established.
Allow stems to root where they touch the ground to create a denser mat.
Shear back lightly in spring if needed to encourage fresh growth.

Don't

Don't plant in shady, damp locations.
Avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot.
Do not fertilize; it thrives in lean soil.
Avoid planting where fire blight is a major problem for other Rosaceae family plants.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tough, weed-suppressing groundcoverExcellent for erosion control on slopes and banksGracefully cascades over retaining walls and rocks

Companion Plants

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana'Yucca filamentosa Sedum spectabile Sempervivum Thymus serpyllum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Streibs Findling Cotoneaster questions

What zones can Streibs Findling Cotoneaster grow in?

Streibs Findling 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 Streibs Findling Cotoneaster deer resistant?

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

When does Streibs Findling Cotoneaster bloom?

Streibs Findling 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 Streibs Findling Cotoneaster need full sun?

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

Is Streibs Findling Cotoneaster drought tolerant?

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