Species

Cotoneaster dammeriBearberry Cotoneaster

3 other cultivars

groundcover

Bearberry Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster dammeri 'Coral Beauty'

$39.89

The Story

Plant Bio

Cotoneaster dammeri is a dense, prostrate evergreen shrub native to the rocky mountain regions and open forests of central and southern China. The species spreads reliably by rooting at the nodes wherever its stiff, slender branches touch the ground, forming a low, weed-suppressing mat.

'Coral Beauty' is distinguished by its highly glossy, deep green foliage that takes on rich reddish-bronze and purple tones during the winter months. This cultivar produces a prolific display of small, five-petaled white flowers with purple anthers in late spring, followed by persistent bright red ornamental pomes.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, glossy green carpet that turns bronze-purple in winter, accented by white spring flowers and bright red winter berries.

Excellent for stabilizing soil on steep, erosion-prone banks and suppressing weeds once the dense mat is established.

Provides valuable nectar for generalist bees in spring and persistent winter berries that serve as a food source for songbirds.

SpeciesCotoneaster dammeriBearberry Cotoneaster

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

12"

Width

71"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

China

Toxicity

Toxic to Pets & Humans

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$39.89

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to partial shade and sharply-drained soil, avoiding any low-lying areas prone to standing water.
Space plants three to four feet apart to allow the prostrate branches room to spread and root into the surrounding soil.
Water regularly during the first growing season to encourage the trailing stems to establish roots at their nodes.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch between young plants to suppress weeds until the dense mat fully closes.

Pro Tip

Avoid shearing this groundcover into rigid shapes or cutting back into old, leafless woody stems, as buds will fail to break from old wood and ruin the natural layered architecture.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune selectively to remove dead or stray branches, cutting just above a leaf node.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot diseases.
Provide afternoon shade in the warmer limits of its climate range to prevent heat stress.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize, as this plant thrives in low-nutrient soils and excessive feeding reduces berry production.
Do not shear the plant into formal hedges, which destroys its natural cascading form.
Do not plant in heavy, wet clay soils without amending them to ensure sharp drainage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Erosion control on steep slopesWeed-suppressing groundcoverCascading over retaining wallsRock gardens

Companion Plants

Juniperus horizontalis Rosa rugosa Spiraea japonica

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

Is Bearberry Cotoneaster deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bearberry Cotoneaster, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bearberry Cotoneaster bloom?

Bearberry 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 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.