Pear Cotoneaster
cotoneaster lacteus
Also known as: ["Pear-leaved Cotoneaster","Milk Cotoneaster"]
Overview
A deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with arching branches, known for its glossy green leaves and clusters of white flowers followed by bright 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 lacteus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, hedge, or border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually, after flowering, or as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily), with protection from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight, shield from scorching rays, and place in dappled shade during peak summer heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with compost annually; avoid waterlogged soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 6–8, tolerating temperatures between -10°C to 30°C (14°F to 86°F), with preference for cooler nights.
Protect from frost; water early in the day; provide shade in summer; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly after pruning; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, cut below a node, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is semi-hardwood.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (18–24°C or 65–75°F).
Medium
Peat-based mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, and rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and shaping cuts to maintain natural form.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased wood; best done after flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, and saw for larger branches.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune after flowering, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly, and clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, add fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare fresh soil, inspect roots, trim if needed, repot carefully, water lightly, and place in shade temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage, adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches, allowing excess water to drain freely, and watering in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost, perlite, or sand to improve drainage and aeration; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch, wilting, bud drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf discoloration or dieback in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl, turn brown, or drop; stems can become brittle; overall growth slows or halts in prolonged cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base, wrap with burlap in severe cold, and avoid watering when temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and increased susceptibility to pests in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to retain soil moisture during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, dilute if needed, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, diluted to half-strength for container-grown plants, and avoid fertilizing in late fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCotoneaster lacteus berries are toxic to cats, containing cyanogenic glycosides that can cause cyanide poisoning. This can severely impair the cat's respiratory and cardiovascular systems, leading to critical health conditions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe berries of Cotoneaster lacteus are toxic to dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, which affects the dog's ability to transport oxygen in the blood, causing severe physiological distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCotoneaster lacteus berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion, leading to toxic effects on the human body. The cyanide interferes with cellular respiration, potentially causing serious health issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cotoneaster lacteus 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 often should I water Cotoneaster lacteus?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; it is drought tolerant once established.
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
