Spreading Cotoneaster
cotoneaster divaricatus
Also known as: ["Spreading Cotoneaster","Divaricate Cotoneaster"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub with arching branches, small white flowers, and bright red berries that persist into winter.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Cotoneaster |
| Botanical Name: | Cotoneaster divaricatus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, hedge, or border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–7"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- 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, after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
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 hot afternoon sun in summer; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–7; tolerates temperatures between -20°F and 80°F. Prefers cool winters and moderate summers.
Protect from frost in early spring; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; use a balanced formula; reduce feeding in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (softwood or semi-hardwood) or layering.
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 softwood cuttings; late summer for semi-hardwood cuttings.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting system, 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 open the plant; heading back to control size; selective removal of crossing or weak branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage berry production, and remove dead or diseased wood. Best done after flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; thin crowded areas; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if repotting is necessary.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if pot-bound; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Not typically required unless grown in containers. Outdoor plants rarely need repotting.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during 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; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay amendments.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch (brown edges) in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold or frost.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; growth slows; berries may drop prematurely. Young plants are more susceptible.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap in severe cold; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and berry drop due to excessive heat and drought.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in spring; use balanced formula; avoid over-fertilizing; stop in late fall.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a light dose of liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCotoneaster divaricatus berries are toxic to cats, containing cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide poisoning. This can severely affect the cat's respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe berries of Cotoneaster divaricatus are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, affecting the dog's respiratory and nervous systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCotoneaster divaricatus contains cyanogenic glycosides in its berries, which can release cyanide upon ingestion, leading to toxic effects on the human body. The physiological impact includes disruption of cellular respiration and potential systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cotoneaster divaricatus invasive?
A: It can be invasive in some regions, particularly in North America, where it may outcompete native plants.
Q: How tall does Cotoneaster divaricatus grow?
A: It typically reaches 1.5–2 meters in height and spreads up to 3 meters.
Q: Does it require pruning?
A: Light pruning after flowering can help maintain shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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