Bearberry Cotoneaster Cotoneaster dammeri
ABOUT
The bearberry cotoneaster is a low-growing, evergreen shrub with a dense, mat-forming habit. Its small, oval leaves are dark green and glossy, providing a rich texture and year-round interest. During the spring, the bearberry cotoneaster produces small, pinkish-white flowers that are not particularly conspicuous but add a delicate touch of color to the plant. Following the blooming period, the flowers give way to bright red berries that persist into the winter, attracting birds and other wildlife. The deep green foliage sometimes takes on a reddish or purplish hue in the colder months, further enhancing the seasonal interest of this versatile groundcover.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Bearberry Cotoneaster, Dammer's Cotoneaster, Bearberry.
Common names
Cotoneaster dammeri var. radicans, Cotoneaster radicans
ToxicityTo humans
Bearberry cotoneaster is considered mildly toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While serious complications are rare, consuming large quantities of the berries or foliage could potentially lead to more severe symptoms and warrant medical attention.
To pets
Bearberry cotoneaster is also toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If ingested, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly depression. The severity of the symptoms can depend on the amount ingested and the size of the pet. Pet owners should be cautious and prevent their animals from ingesting parts of the plant, and should seek veterinary care if they suspect their pet has consumed bearberry cotoneaster.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Cotoneaster dammeri requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Ground Cover: Its dense and spreading habit makes it an excellent ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Year-Round Interest: With evergreen leaves, attractive flowers in spring, and red berries in autumn and winter, it provides visual interest throughout the year.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers are a source of nectar for pollinators, while the berries provide food for birds.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for dry or xeriscaped gardens.
- Ornamental Appeal: The shiny green leaves and bright red berries add ornamental value to landscapes and garden designs.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cotoneaster dammeri, commonly known as bearberry cotoneaster, can be used for creating intricate bonsai due to its small leaves and the ease with which it can be trained and pruned.
- The dense and prostrate growing habit of bearberry cotoneaster makes it an excellent choice for covering unsightly garden elements like exposed pipes or low walls.
- Its high tolerance to soil compaction allows bearberry cotoneaster to be used in urban landscaping where foot traffic and packed soils are common.
- Bearberry cotoneaster's ability to stabilize slopes helps in preventing erosion, making it beneficial for hillside gardens and embankments.
- Landscape artists sometimes utilize bearberry cotoneaster in topiary gardens for creating shapes and forms, due to its dense growth and trimming resilience.
- Bearberry cotoneaster can serve as a protective ground cover for smaller woodland plants that require a stable microclimate and soil moisture conservation.
- The plant's extensive root system is often employed in restoration projects to help stabilize stream banks and prevent soil erosion alongside water bodies.
- During the festive season, branches of bearberry cotoneaster with bright red berries are gathered for natural Christmas wreath decorations and table arrangements.
- The low-growing and fast-spreading nature of bearberry cotoneaster makes it suitable as a living mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in garden beds.
- Gardeners may use bearberry cotoneaster as a natural labyrinth or border definition within sensory gardens due to its uniform growth pattern and ease of maintenance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bearberry cotoneaster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bearberry cotoneaster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hardiness: Cotoneaster dammeri, known as Bearberry Cotoneaster, is admired for its hardy nature, able to thrive in poor soils and resist harsh conditions, symbolizing endurance and resilience.
- Grounding: As a ground cover plant, it symbolizes staying grounded and providing a foundation, akin to a support system in life.
- Protection: With its dense foliage, Bearberry Cotoneaster is often seen as a symbol of protection, offering a safe haven for wildlife and shelter from the elements.
- Adaptability: Its ability to adapt to different environments represents flexibility and the capacity to adjust to various situations in life.
WaterBearberry cotoneaster should be watered deeply but infrequently, to promote a strong and deep root system. During the first growing season, watering once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant will help establish the roots. After establishment, watering can be reduced, and the plant will generally require watering only during prolonged dry periods. Check the soil around 3 inches deep; if it feels dry, it's time to water again. Be cautious not to overwater, as bearberry cotoneaster does not tolerate soggy soil conditions well.
LightBearberry cotoneaster thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This means the ideal spot for the plant would receive unobstructed sunlight for at least six hours a day, but it can also tolerate some shade, especially in the hotter parts of the day. Avoid deep shade locations, as this can lead to sparse growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureBearberry cotoneaster is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, ideally growing in USDA zones 5 through 7. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -20 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate summer temperatures well into the high 80s or 90s. As long as the plant is properly established, it can resist brief periods of colder or hotter temperatures.
PruningPruning bearberry cotoneaster is typically done to shape the plant or remove any damaged or dead branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning every year or two helps maintain the health and appearance of the plant, and encourages more robust growth. Thin out old branches to allow light and air into the center of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBearberry Cotoneaster thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, peat, and sand or perlite can create an optimal growing medium. Incorporate organic matter to improve fertility.
RepottingBearberry Cotoneaster does not need frequent repotting; it is often repotted every 2 to 3 years depending on the growth rate and pot size.
Humidity & MistingBearberry Cotoneaster prefers average humidity levels and can tolerate some dry conditions. Avoid overly humid environments to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bearberry Cotoneaster near a sunny window and provide good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleCotoneaster dammeri, commonly known as Bearberry Cotoneaster, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring, given appropriate conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedlings establish themselves with a robust root system and by late spring or early summer, they start to develop woody stems and simple, alternate leaves. As the plant matures into its vegetative stage, it forms a dense, low-lying mat with glossy green foliage. During late spring to early summer, the Bearberry Cotoneaster enters its reproductive phase, producing small, five-petaled white to pink flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Successful pollination results in the development of red berries by late summer to autumn, which persist through the winter and serve as a food source for birds, aiding in seed dispersal. The plant's life cycle continues as these dispersed seeds germinate to give rise to new plants, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Bearberry Cotoneaster, which is Cotoneaster dammeri, is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This is best done during the late summer months. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy, disease-free branch and cut a piece that is 4 to 6 inches long. The base of the cutting should be cut just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves should be removed. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and then insert it into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite. The pot should then be placed in a shaded area and kept moist but not soaking wet. Roots typically develop within a few weeks to a few months, after which the new plant can be transplanted to its final location.
