Cotoneaster dammeri Mooncreeper

Cotoneaster dammeri 'Mooncreeper' is a compact and vigorous variety of Cotoneaster, with white spring flowers, larger than the species. This spreading bush is an excellent ground cover, evergreen and robust. Ideal for covering large areas with its dense foliage, preventing the growth of weeds on slopes, wall edges, or at the base of larger shrubs in beds or rockeries. In June, it is covered in white flowers that develop into small, round red berries. This bush is easy to grow and thrives even in shade and in poor soils, dry in summer.

Cotoneaster dammeri belongs to the large family of Rosaceae and is native to central and western China. This very vigorous bush is capable of withstanding droughts, as well as harsh winters, even when growing in poor, rocky soil. The cultivar 'Mooncreeper' has a spreading and creeping habit, supported by curved and flexible, reddish-brown branches. Its growth is fast, reaching a height of about 15 cm (5.9 in) and a spread of 2 m (6 ft 7 in) at maturity, and even more as its branches naturally layer. Its evergreen foliage is composed of small, thick, oval-shaped leaves. They are very dark green and glossy, sometimes turning reddish-purple in autumn. The pretty white flowers with 5 petals and larger than the species, appear in June. This flowering, which is attractive to bees, gives way to bright red, fleshy fruits measuring 5 to 7 mm (0.2 to 0.3 in) in diameter, appreciated by birds.

Cotoneaster dammeri 'Mooncreeper' is ideal for covering large, difficult areas of the garden, adding a very neat touch. While it can grow in almost any conditions, it will be more fruitful in the sun and will grow faster in fertile and moist soil. Perfect at the base of a tall hedge or in a shady and bare corner of the garden, for example under a large tree, it can also be planted in a rockery to fill in the spaces between other plants. Plant it on a large slope, above a wall or retaining wall or along a terrace or pathway. It can be associated with Juniperus horizontalis 'Icee Blue', Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety', and Forsythia intermedia 'Marée d'or' to bring the missing colour.