Bearberry Cotoneaster Cotoneaster procumbens 'Queen of Carpets'

Water

Bearberry cotoneaster ('Queen of Carpets') prefers even moisture, so it's important to water it regularly. It should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. On average, this may mean watering with approximately one to two gallons per week for an established plant in moderately dry conditions. Younger plants, or those in containers, may require watering more frequently. During hot or windy weather, or if situated in sandy soils, watering may need to be increased to twice a week. Conversely, reduce watering in rainy seasons and during the winter when the plant is dormant.

Light

Bearberry cotoneaster thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It performs well in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, but can also tolerate some light shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Avoid deep shade since insufficient sunlight can lead to sparse foliage and fewer flowers or berries.

Temperature

The Bearberry cotoneaster is hardy and adaptable, able to withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it suitable for many environments. It prefers a range with maximum temperatures around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for Bearberry cotoneaster is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season.

Pruning

Bearberry cotoneaster should be pruned to remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches, and to shape the plant as desired. Normally, pruning is done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It's a low-maintenance plant, so annual thinning is often sufficient, but plants can be pruned more often if needed for size control or aesthetic shaping.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cotoneaster 'Queen of Carpets' thrives in well-drained soil with a mix of two-thirds loam or garden soil and one-third sand or organic matter. The ideal soil pH for this plant is neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.

Repotting

The Cotoneaster 'Queen of Carpets' rarely requires repotting due to its slow growth rate and spreading habit. Repotting is generally only necessary if the plant outgrows its current container, which may happen every 3 to 4 years.

Humidity & Misting

Cotoneaster 'Queen of Carpets' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the average humidity found in outdoor environments, without the need for any special humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure proper drainage.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  6-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Cotoneaster procumbens 'Queen of Carpets', commonly known as the "Queen of Carpets" cotoneaster, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to germinate successfully. Upon germination and with adequate light, water, and soil, the seedling emerges and begins the vegetative growth stage, developing a low, spreading habit that characterizes this groundcover plant. As it matures, the plant develops woody stems and dense, small, dark green leaves and eventually flowers, producing small pinkish-white blossoms in late spring to early summer. Pollinated flowers set fruit, which turn into red berries by late summer to autumn, providing food for birds and inadvertently aiding in seed dispersal. The plant goes dormant in winter, with leaves sometimes turning a reddish hue before falling off, depending on the climate. Throughout its life, the "Queen of Carpets" cotoneaster can spread by rooting stems and tends to form a dense mat which makes it effective for erosion control and as a decorative landscape element.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Cotoneaster procumbens 'Queen of Carpets', commonly referred to as rock cotoneaster, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is quite popular and involves taking cuttings approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long from the current year's growth. The cuttings should be taken in mid to late summer, ideally from July to September, when the plant's growth begins to harden but is not yet fully matured. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss, and kept under warm and humid conditions until roots have formed, which usually takes several weeks. Proper moisture and light are essential for successful rooting during this period. Once rooted, the new plants are acclimatized to outdoor conditions before they are transplanted to their final growing location.