The ornamental cotoneaster is an evergreen shrub with tough, dark green leaves that turn brown or red by autumn. The flowers are white or pink and are good honey plants. The fruit is a small bright red berry that densely covers the plant. It is not poisonous, but not edible, but pecks with pleasure by birds.
The ornamental shrub cotoneaster is a popular plant among gardeners. It has more than 40 varieties, differing in the size of the bush, fruit and foliage, frost resistance and habitat. Varieties that can grow in cold climatic zones and not die in winter are appreciated.
The decorative cotoneaster has bright red fruits
There are such decorative varieties of cotoneaster:
- Shiny – has smooth, shiny leaves. They are green in summer and turn purple by autumn. The plant is native to Eastern Siberia, widespread everywhere. The shrub grows up to 2 m in height, the flowers are pink, the fruit is black, shiny. Used for hedges, planted in flower beds and lawns.
- Common is a widespread deciduous shrub that is often found in wildlife. It can grow in mountainous areas, it is not picky about soils.
- Horizontal – undersized evergreen shrub with horizontally growing shoots. Like most species of this culture, it turns red by autumn due to fruits and leaves. It can grow in mountainous areas and on fertile soil. Feels good in urban conditions and is used for landscaping.
- Dammer’s cotoneaster is distinguished by small foliage and the fact that shoots spread along the ground and germinate, forming roots.
All the varieties described are frost and drought resistant, well suited for landscaping and decorating a garden plot.
All varieties of culture are unpretentious, do not require special care. But for the successful maintenance of plants, there are a number of rules that must be followed:
- Choose the right landing site. So that the plant is clearly visible, but so that the overgrown bush does not obscure other crops in the garden.
- Timely prune shoots and form a bush.
- Water the plant at least once a month and prevent weeds from growing around the bush.
- Monitor the condition of the cotoneaster – in case of damage by diseases or pests, treat it with special compounds.
Performing these simple steps ensures that the plants will feel good.
The cotoneaster is a great addition to ornamental trees and shrubs in the garden.