Part 2 of the Fall Foliage Series is about...Cotoneaster apiculatus, or Cranberry Cotoneaster, which is a wonderful fall berry-producing plant! However, it is almost always mispronounced. We actually enjoy torturing our new employees by laughing at their mispronunciation of this plant! Kinda fun in a sick plant geek kind of way!
Anyhow, back to the subject at hand...All Cotoneaster falls into the Rose family (Rosaceae). Different varieties reach different sizes, but Cotoneaster apiculatus grows to about 3' high and 3-6' wide. It grows in Zones 4-7, but maintains best color in colder climates.
The habit of this plant is low, wide-spreading and stiff-branching. The foliage is alternate and simple, about 1/4" to 3/4" long and wide. Leaves are dark, glossy green and hold as such all summer long. In autumn the leaves turn an amazing bronzy red to purple and hold into late November oftentimes! Tiny pink flowers form in late May to early June up and down the arching branches.
In addition to the hot fall color on this plant, bright red fruits are borne in August and hold until October. They are often loaded up and can be spotted from a distance due to the heavy berry set and bright cranberry color of the berries.
Cotoneaster in general prefer full sun, well-drained soil, but will tolerate all but permanently wet areas. Cotoneaster is often used along a border or over a rock wall. Good in Japanese gardens and Native to Western China, this is a very useful and strong fall-interest plant!
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