Overview
Cotoneaster bullatus is a large, arching deciduous shrub in the Rosaceae family, growing 8–12 feet (2.4–3.6 m) tall and 8–12 feet (2.4–3.6 m) wide with a spreading, vase-shaped habit. Branches are long, arching gracefully outward and downward under the weight of autumn fruit. Leaves are ovate-elliptic, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long and 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) wide — among the largest in the genus — with a distinctively bullate (puckered, blistered) surface caused by veins that are sunken above and raised below. Leaves are dark green above, paler and hairy beneath, turning orange-red to deep scarlet in autumn. Small clusters of 12–30 pinkish-white flowers, each 0.3 inch (8 mm) across, appear along the branches in June. Fruit is a pome, round, 0.3 inch (8 mm) in diameter, bright red, borne in dense clusters of 12–20, ripening in September and persisting into December unless consumed by birds. Berry production is prolific — branches are often weighted into a pendulous arc by the fruit load. Native to western China (Sichuan, Yunnan) at elevations of 3,000–10,000 feet (900–3,000 m). The species self-seeds freely via bird-dispersed fruit and is classified as invasive in parts of the British Isles, New Zealand, and the Pacific Northwest — volunteer seedlings appear in hedgerows, woodland margins, and disturbed ground. Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) can cause dieback of flowering shoots in warm, wet springs.
Native Range
Cotoneaster bullatus is native to western China, in the provinces of Sichuan, Hubei, and Yunnan, where it grows in mountain scrub and forest margins at elevations of 3,000–10,000 feet (900–3,000 m). Introduced to Western cultivation in 1898 by the plant collector Ernest Wilson.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen shrub or informal hedge, spaced 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) apart. The arching habit and heavy berry production make it a focal point in autumn and early winter. Effective as a wildlife garden plant — the berries support overwintering bird populations. Use with caution near natural areas due to invasive potential from bird-dispersed seed. In formal settings, a single specimen is easier to manage than mass plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8' - 12'
Width/Spread8' - 12'
Reaches mature size in approximately 7 years
Bloom Information
Small pinkish-white flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) across open in clusters of 12–30 along arching branches in June. Bloom lasts approximately 2–3 weeks. Flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects. Red fruit develops from July onward, colouring fully by September and persisting on branches through November–December, gradually consumed by blackbirds, thrushes, waxwings, and other fruit-eating birds.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark green above, paler beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in any well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Tolerates chalk, clay, and sandy soils. Space 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) apart for a screen or specimen. Water during the first growing season to establish; once established, supplemental irrigation is rarely needed except during extended drought. No regular fertilisation is necessary. Monitor for fire blight — prune out affected shoots 12 inches (30 cm) below the visible infection margin using sterilised tools. In the Pacific Northwest, monitor for self-sown seedlings in adjacent garden beds and natural areas — remove promptly to prevent naturalisation.Pruning
Prune in late winter to remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches and to shape. The arching habit displays best when allowed to grow naturally without heavy pruning. If renovation is needed, cut one-third of the oldest stems to the base annually over three years. Remove fire blight-infected shoots immediately upon detection, cutting 12 inches (30 cm) below the visible margin into healthy wood.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring