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Overview
Cotoneaster coriaceus is an upright to arching evergreen shrub reaching 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) tall and 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) wide at maturity, with a fountain-like form of multiple long stems arising from the base. Leaves are oval to elliptic, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, with a glossy leathery texture and pronounced veination on the dark green upper surface; the underside is densely covered in whitish-gray felt. The two-toned leaf effect is visible when branches move in wind. In spring, flat-topped corymbs of small white flowers appear in clusters along the stems, each flower approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) across. Berries ripen to orange-red to coral-red by autumn, each 1/4–3/8 inch (6–10 mm) in diameter, borne in large clusters. Berry clusters are visible through winter where bird feeding pressure is low. Older stems develop reddish-brown bark. Growth rate is moderate; the shrub reaches its arching fountain form within 5–8 years. In zones 7 and below, some leaf browning may occur following hard frosts, and the plant may behave as semi-deciduous.
Native Range
Cotoneaster coriaceus is native to western China, primarily Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, occurring in montane scrub and forest margins. The species is classified as semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on winter temperatures in cultivation.Suggested Uses
Planted as a large informal screen, hedge, or specimen shrub at spacings of 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m). The large arching form and persistent berry clusters make it a wildlife planting staple and a common element in mixed shrub borders where height is needed. The mature size of 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) is unsuitable for small residential gardens without regular pruning; often used in parks, commercial landscapes, and larger estate plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8' - 10'
Width/Spread8' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Colors
Flower Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers in spring, typically May through June. Flower clusters (corymbs) open over a 2–4 week period. Berries set and ripen from green to orange-red between late August and October, remaining on the plant through winter if not consumed by birds or removed by frost.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark green above, densely white- to gray-felted belowGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Water weekly during the first growing season; established plants are drought tolerant once rooted but fruit size and quantity decrease in prolonged drought exceeding 4–6 weeks during fruit development. The large arching form requires adequate spacing of 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) from structures and adjacent plants to avoid overcrowding. Fireblight (Erwinia amylovora) is a potential problem in warm wet spring conditions; infected shoots blacken and curl in a shepherd's crook pattern and should be removed 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) below visible symptoms, with tool sterilization between cuts. Spider mites and woolly aphids may infest foliage in dry summer conditions. No routine fertilization is needed on adequate soils. This species self-seeds readily; seedlings establish near the parent plant and should be removed if spread is undesired.Pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth to remove dead or damaged branches and maintain clearance from pathways. Because of the naturally arching form, heavy shearing is not appropriate; selective removal of the oldest canes at ground level every 3–4 years renews vigor. Branches that have been tipped by frost can be cut back to live wood in early spring. Hard pruning back to a framework of main stems is tolerated but results in loss of the natural fountain form for 2–3 growing seasons.Pruning Schedule
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early spring