Cotoneaster dammeri ‘Coral Beauty’
Overview
Uses: Groundcover, slopes and banks, erosion control, and mass plantings.
Benefits: A fast-spreading groundcover cotoneaster with small, glossy leaves that hold on through much of the winter. White spring flowers are followed by coral-red berries in fall. A tough, low-maintenance way to cover a slope.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Semi-Evergreen Shrub
Growth Habit: Groundcover, Spreading — low and fast-spreading.
Bloom Color: White
Foliage Color: Glossy Green
Mature Height: 1–2 feet
Mature Width: 4–6 feet
Bloom Season: Spring
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
A quick, glossy green carpet for the slopes and banks you are tired of mowing.
‘Coral Beauty’ is one of the most widely planted groundcover cotoneasters because it does the job fast. Its long, flexible stems spread outward along the ground, forming a low mat one to two feet tall and four to six feet across, covered in small, glossy, dark green leaves. A few plants fill in a bank or a large bed within a few seasons.
White flowers sprinkle the mat in spring, and by fall they have become coral-red berries tucked among the leaves. In mild winters the foliage holds on, sometimes picking up purplish tones; in colder areas some or most leaves may drop, and fresh growth returns in spring.
Once established it handles average soil, sun or partial shade, and dry spells, making it a practical choice for slopes, large mass plantings, and other spots where a durable, low cover matters more than fine detail.
Care
Coral Beauty Cotoneaster Care
Plant in full sun to partial shade. More sun brings denser growth and more berries.
Any well-drained soil works, from sandy to clay loam, as long as water does not sit around the roots. On compacted banks, loosen the soil in a wide area at planting so the roots and spreading stems can establish.
Water deeply once or twice a week through the first growing season. Established plants tolerate dry spells and usually need water only during extended drought. Mulch between young plants to hold moisture and suppress weeds until the mat closes in.
Feeding needs are light. One application of a slow release fertilizer in early spring is enough to help a new planting fill in faster.
Pruning is minimal. In late winter or early spring, cut back any stems that wander onto walks or into neighboring plants, and remove winter-damaged tips. Avoid shearing the whole mat, which spoils its natural, layered look.
Size
What Size is the Coral Beauty Cotoneaster for Sale Online?
Our Coral Beauty Cotoneaster ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. In the off-season it may arrive with some leaves bronzed or dropped, which is normal for this semi-evergreen shrub. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Coral Beauty Cotoneaster Grow?
Expect about 1 to 2 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide at maturity, in a low, spreading mat. Space plants about 3 feet apart for quicker coverage on a slope, or up to 4 to 5 feet apart if you can wait a little longer.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
The species is commonly called bearberry cotoneaster, and ‘Coral Beauty’ is often sold simply under its cultivar name.
Does it stay green in winter?
It is semi-evergreen. In milder areas it keeps most of its leaves through winter, sometimes with a purplish tint. In the colder end of its range, expect some or most leaves to drop in a hard winter, with new growth filling back in by late spring.
How fast will it cover a slope?
It is one of the faster cotoneasters. Planted about 3 feet apart and watered through the first season, plants usually knit into a continuous mat within two to three growing seasons. Explore more Groundcovers.
Is it a good choice for large mass plantings?
Yes. Its uniform, low habit makes it a common choice for broad beds, commercial-style plantings, and parking-area borders, where it covers large areas evenly. For more shrubs that fill space well, see our Shrubs & Bushes.
