Also known as Carpet Cotoneaster
Bearberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri) is a low-growing evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and bright red berries, ideal for groundcover and rock gardens.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruiting, but tolerates partial shade. More shade can reduce berry production.
Moderate when established, high when young
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once established. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Cold hardy
25% intensity
Very cold hardy and adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. Protect from extreme heat and drought.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize once in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Not essential for established plants.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during the first year, to establish a strong root system. Once established, Bearberry Cotoneaster is drought-tolerant and prefers soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage.
Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pruning can be done after flowering to avoid removing potential berry formation.
Heavy pruning is generally not required for this low-growing shrub.
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid-summer. Root cuttings in a well-draining potting mix. Alternatively, sow seeds in autumn or early spring.
Layering is also an effective method, where a low-growing branch is pegged to the ground to root.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years, or when they become root-bound, typically in early spring before new growth starts. Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix.
For mature, established plants in the landscape, repotting is not applicable.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bearberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Cotoneaster |
| Species | Cotoneaster dammeri |
Similar in genus Cotoneaster
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
