Willowleaf Cotoneaster

Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade

Origin: Western China

Growth Habits: Deciduous shrub (semi-evergreen in warm winter areas), up to 12 feet tall (3.60 m), 10 feet spread (3 m); alternate, willow-like, dark green, wrinkled leaves, 1.6-3.6 inches long (4-9 cm), 0.32-0.8 inch wide (0.8-2.0 cm), pubescent, glaucous underside, foliage turns bronze to purplish red in fall and winter

Watering Needs: Moderate water in Phoenix, prefers moist, well drained, slightly acid soil

Propagation: Seeds (need stratification), semi-ripe cuttings in summer, the root system is fragile and transplanting can be a problem

Cultivars:

• 'Gnom': 8 to 12 inches tall (20-30 cm)
• 'Herbstfeuer', 'Autumn Fire': 1 to 2 feet tall (30-60 cm), evergreen leaves
• 'Moner', 'Emerald Carpet': 1 foot tall (30 cm), 6 to 8 feet spread (1.8-2.4 m), dense foliage.
• 'Repens' ('Repandens'): up to 2 feet tall (60 cm), 8 feet wide (2.4 m). Bright red berries in the fall. Evergreen in warmer areas.
• 'Scarlet Leader' - dense, prostrate plant with arching branches. Bronze foliage and small red fruit in the fall.

Blooming Habits:
Small white flowers in spring, in woolly flat-topped clusters, 2 inches wide (5 cm). The smell of the flowers is faintly unpleasant. The flowers are followed by showy red fruits persisting in winter.