groundcover RHS Award

Rockspray Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster horizontalis

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

30 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

20-50 years

Native To

Western China

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities.

The Story

Plant Bio

Cotoneaster horizontalis is a deciduous shrub with a unique, stiff, flat, herringbone branching pattern. It's grown for its small glossy leaves, tiny pink flowers, and bright red autumn berries. Its most distinctive feature is the rigid, fishbone-like branching structure, which creates a striking architectural pattern against walls or over rocks, especially in winter. The profuse red berries persist well into winter.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This plant is a textural and architectural standout, offering a unique fishbone pattern that provides strong winter interest. Its glossy green leaves, tiny pink flowers, brilliant red berries, and purple-red fall color offer something in every season.

It is an excellent, low-maintenance groundcover for sunny, dry slopes, where it helps with erosion control. It can also be trained as an espalier against a wall for a formal, decorative effect.

The small spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The bright red berries persist into winter, providing a valuable food source for birds like robins and waxwings after other foods have been depleted.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or light shade with excellent drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole and water well to settle the soil.
Water regularly during the first season to establish roots.
Apply mulch to conserve moisture, but keep it away from the plant's crown.

Pro Tip

Plant it where its unique herringbone branching pattern can be appreciated, such as against a light-colored wall or cascading over a ledge.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide well-drained soil; it's critical for this plant's health.
Allow it to spread naturally to showcase its form.
Water during severe drought, but otherwise it is very drought tolerant.
Prune out any dead or damaged branches as needed.

Don't

Don't plant in wet, poorly drained locations.
Avoid heavy shearing, which ruins the natural architectural form.
Don't overwater once the plant is established.
Be aware of its potential to be invasive in some regions; check local restrictions.

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

Architectural groundcover for slopesCascading element over rock wallsFoundation planting with four-season interest

Companion Plants

Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii' Sedum spectabile Sempervivum tectorum Yucca filamentosa Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rockspray Cotoneaster questions

What zones can Rockspray Cotoneaster grow in?

Rockspray Cotoneaster is hardy in USDA Zones 5–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Rockspray Cotoneaster deer resistant?

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

When does Rockspray Cotoneaster bloom?

Rockspray 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 Rockspray Cotoneaster need full sun?

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

Is Rockspray Cotoneaster drought tolerant?

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