Cotoneaster suecicus Coral Beauty

Cotoneaster suecicus Coral Beauty is a variety of ground cover bush, forming a compact dome of shiny dark green leaves, with white flowers followed by coral orange fruits. It is widely used to cover slopes and embankments.

This 50 to 70cm tall and 1m (3 ft 4 in) wide cotoneaster has a compact and creeping habit. Its arching branches give it a very gentle dome shape. An excellent ground cover, it thickens enough to smother weeds. Its evergreen leaves, 5mm (0.2 in) to 1cm (0.4 in) in length, are shiny dark green, alternate, entire, and ovate. In June, clusters of single, white flowers grow, with 5 petals, about 1cm (0.4 in) in diameter. In October, a profusion of round orange coral fruits, 4 to 9mm (0.2 to 0.4 in) in diameter, are highly appreciated by birds. They persist during winter on the bare branches, offering a beautiful decorative effect.

Cotoneaster suecicus 'Coral Beauty' is easy to grow and adapts well to any well-drained soil, even limestone, in a sunny or lightly shaded position. It is undemanding and only requires a balanced pruning in March, and mulching to keep the soil moist in summer.

Cotoneaster suecicus 'Coral Beauty', along with dwarf conifers or other small bushes, is a good ground cover to fill a slope, a rockery, or a wall.