groundcover

Rockspray Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster horizontalis 'Hessei'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

18 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7

Water

Low

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Western China

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in quantity.

The Story

Plant Bio

Cotoneaster horizontalis is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with a distinctive, flat, herringbone branching pattern. It has small, glossy green leaves, tiny pinkish-white flowers, and showy red berries in fall. 'Hessei' is a dwarf, more compact variety with smaller leaves that are distinctly wavy or curled along the margins. This gives the plant a finer, more textured appearance than the straight species.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Valued for its unique and architectural herringbone branching pattern, which provides excellent winter interest. It offers four seasons of beauty with spring flowers, glossy summer leaves, brilliant red berries, and reddish-purple fall color.

Its low, spreading habit makes it an exceptional groundcover for sunny, dry slopes, where it helps with erosion control. It's also perfect for cascading over retaining walls or planting against foundations.

The small flowers attract bees, and the persistent red berries are a valuable food source for birds like robins and cedar waxwings during the late fall and winter months.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun to light shade with well-drained soil.
It is very tolerant of poor soils but dislikes wet feet.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Plant and backfill, watering to settle the soil.
Water during its first year; it is very drought-tolerant once established.
Minimal care is needed once it's growing.

Pro Tip

Avoid heavy pruning, which will destroy the beautiful natural herringbone branching structure. Site it where it has room to spread.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide good drainage.
Allow it to develop its natural form.
Use it on slopes or to cascade over walls.
Check local regulations regarding its invasive potential.

Don't

Don't plant in soggy soil.
Don't shear or prune heavily.
Don't plant near walkways where berries can be a slipping hazard.
Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cascading over rock wallsTough groundcover for slopesHerringbone pattern against a foundation

Companion Plants

Juniperus horizontalis Sedum spectabile Yucca filamentosa Perovskia atriplicifolia

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 late spring. 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.