Cotoneaster
cotoneaster integerrimus
Also known as: ["Common Cotoneaster","Hairy Cotoneaster"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub with arching branches, small white flowers, and red berries that persist into winter.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Cotoneaster |
| Botanical Name: | Cotoneaster integerrimus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various landscapes
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–7"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth every few years to promote new growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade but may produce fewer berries.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense midday sun in summer; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; enrich with organic matter for better growth.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7; tolerates cold temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C); prefers cool winters and moderate summers.
Protect from extreme cold winds; water deeply before anticipated freezes; avoid fertilizing in extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; water thoroughly after fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer; layering is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; late winter for layering.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F/18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or cactus mix with added sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pots after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk; heading cuts to shorten branches for shape.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead wood, and encourage air circulation; focus on older branches to rejuvenate growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune in dormant season; remove dead or crossing branches; make clean cuts just above buds or branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or fruiting.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; replace with fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when root-bound or soil is depleted; typically every 2–3 years for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; prune roots if needed; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water begins to drain from the bottom; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in prolonged cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; branches can become brittle; flowering and fruiting may be reduced.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in cold, wet soil.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf drop, or scorched foliage; reduced vigor and flowering.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid late-season fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer and fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCotoneaster integerrimus berries are toxic to cats, containing cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide poisoning. This can severely affect the cat's respiratory and nervous systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe berries of Cotoneaster integerrimus are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, affecting the dog's respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCotoneaster integerrimus berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion, leading to systemic toxicity. The physiological impact includes disruption of cellular respiration and potential organ damage.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cotoneaster integerrimus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and berries.
Q: How drought-tolerant is Cotoneaster integerrimus?
A: It is moderately drought-tolerant once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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