Leathery Cotoneaster
cotoneaster coriaceus
Also known as: ["Leathery Cotoneaster","Cotoneaster leathery"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub with leathery leaves and clusters of small white flowers followed by red berries.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Cotoneaster |
| Botanical Name: | Cotoneaster coriaceus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sunny to partially shaded area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with amendments.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a container plant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid placing in dark corners.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; test pH if symptoms arise.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 6–8; tolerates temperatures between -10°C to 30°C; prefers cool winters and moderate summers.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize lightly after pruning; water before and after applying fertilizer; stop fertilizing in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; layering can also be successful.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or cactus mix with added sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pots after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to remove entire branches back to the trunk; heading cuts to shorten branches and encourage side shoots.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant to encourage bushy growth; remove dead or diseased wood; thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker branches, pruning saw for large stems.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; avoid oversized pots to prevent waterlogging.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if pot-bound; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
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 fungal growth; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop; branches can become brittle; flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap in severe cold; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering and fruiting.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering during heatwaves; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water thoroughly after application; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCotoneaster coriaceus berries are toxic to cats, containing cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide poisoning. This disrupts cellular respiration, leading to severe physiological distress and potentially fatal outcomes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe berries of Cotoneaster coriaceus are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, which disrupts oxygen transport in the body and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCotoneaster coriaceus berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion, leading to poisoning. The toxic effects are primarily due to the disruption of cellular respiration, causing oxygen deprivation at the cellular level.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cotoneaster coriaceus toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and berries.
Q: How much maintenance does it require?
A: It requires moderate maintenance, including occasional pruning and pest control.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
