Cotoneasters are used ornamentally in shrub borders or as hedges and come in a range of forms and varieties, from deciduous to evergreen and from large shrubs to dwarf plants.
Cotoneaster horizontalis has excellent late colour, but is also popular for the characteristic herringbone pattern of its stems, which develop into a decorative basketwork across the ground or on a wall, according to how it is trained. It is invaluable in shade, although its crops of neat pink flowers and bright red berries are more prolific in full sun. The flowers are a magnet for bees and the berries are eaten by birds.
While it makes an excellent garden plant, Cotoneaster horizontalis is listed as an invasive, non-native species on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act in England and Wales, meaning it is an offense to plant it in the wild or allow it to spread into the wild. It can still be sold in garden centres and nurseries, but we recommend growing it only if you live in a very urban area, or consider an alternative instead. Where it is grown, we would encourage you to dispose of prunings carefully within your garden rather than putting them in your green bin.
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Cotoneaster and wildlife
Cotoneaster is known for attracting bees, birds and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.
