Littleleaf or Small-leaved Cotoneaster is a low-growing evergreen to a semi-evergreen shrub that spreads wider than tall. It is native to rocky slopes and thickets in the Himalayas. Mature shrubs will be 2-3 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. They grow in any well-drained soil, even rocky ones, in full sun to part shade. Propagate by stem cuttings and seed. Small white flowers form on the stiff horizontal stems in spring and are followed by bright red fruits that persist into winter. Do not plant where an invasive spread is a concern as it has escaped cultivation in some areas of the country. It does well in woodland and rock gardens, on slopes or as a low hedge. The root system is extensive and the branches root as it grows which makes it helpful with erosion control. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant is drought-tolerant but susceptible to fire blight and spider mites, especially in warmer areas.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.