Cotoneaster glaucophyllus hort.

gray-leaf cotoneaster

Outstanding Qualities The smoky gray-green foliage of Cotoneaster glaucophyllus hort. adds a sense of depth and mystery to the landscape. The low arching branches of this evergreen shrub form tight thickets making it an excellent hedge or barrier. Following its clusters of showy white flowers throughout spring, by late summer each branch sparkles with the bright ember red berries that glow on the bush until winter’s end. Like many of its relatives, this cotoneaster has an iron constitution which tolerates the vulgarities of our harsh urban environment. It is tolerant of drought and poor soils and while it might be easy to relegate this plant to the worst part of the garden, it deserves so much better. The bold leaves of Mahonia or the red tones of Nandina would create lovely contrasts to Cotoneaster glaucophyllus hort.
Culture Lush growth occurs in average good garden soil that is well drained, but cotoneasters are very adaptable plants and tolerate a variety of soil conditions from heavy clay to sand. Cotoneaster glaucophyllus hort. is drought tolerant once established. The best and most compact growth occurs in full sun, though this cotoneaster also tolerates light shade. Little pruning is required Other than a light clipping in winter to maintain its shape, little pruning is required.
Growing Habit Cotoneaster glaucophyllus hort. Is a fully evergreen, moderate growing, mounding shrub. The small gray leaves provide a fine texture with small rose-tipped white flowers in spring. Its fruits are green at first and then ripen to scarlet orange-red in the late summer throughout winter. At maturity, it will reach about three to four feet tall and six to eight feet wide, but is easily kept smaller with some pruning.
Hardiness USDA zones 7 to 9
Plant image
Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks