Harrow Cotoneaster Cotoneaster harrovianus
ABOUT
Cotoneaster harrovianus, commonly known as Harrow cotoneaster, is an evergreen shrub known for its showy appearance. The plant sports dense, glossy green leaves that provide a lush backdrop year-round. These leaves are small and ovoid, with a leathery texture, and they are arranged alternately along the branches. In the spring, Harrow cotoneaster becomes particularly ornamental with the arrival of small, five-petaled flowers. These flowers are typically white or pale pink, and they cluster together to create a delicate, frothy effect amidst the foliage. By autumn, the flowers give way to colorful berries that can range in hue from bright red to deep orange. The berries are small and round, often persisting on the plant into the winter months, providing visual interest and a food source for birds and wildlife during the colder seasons. The branches of the Harrow cotoneaster spread out to create a dense, mat-like structure, giving it a bushy, intricate appearance that can provide an attractive ground cover or be pruned to form hedges or borders in landscape design. The overall impression of the plant is one of robustness and ornamental charm, making it a popular choice for gardens and public spaces where low maintenance and year-round beauty are desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Harrow Cotoneaster
Common names
Cotoneaster harrovianus.
ToxicityTo humans
Cotoneaster is generally considered to have a low level of toxicity for humans. However, it is still not advisable to consume any parts of the plant, as they can contain compounds that are potentially harmful. If ingested, the most common symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. While serious complications are rare, it is possible for sensitive individuals to experience more adverse effects upon consumption. It is always best to avoid eating any part of the Cotoneaster plant to prevent any potential health issues.
To pets
For pets, Cotoneaster can be toxic if ingested. The symptoms of Cotoneaster poisoning in pets can be similar to those in humans and include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, ingestion can also result in more severe symptoms such as respiratory distress or seizures, though this is less common. Due to the possible consequences, it is essential to keep Cotoneaster plants out of reach of pets and to seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect your pet has consumed any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
8 feet (2.44 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Cotoneaster harrovianus is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is relatively drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes.
- Erosion Control: Its robust root system can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes.
- Attractive Berries: Produces bright red berries that add color to the landscape and can attract birds and wildlife.
- Year-Round Interest: Offers visual interest throughout the seasons with its evergreen leaves, flowers in spring, and berries in fall and winter.
- Hedge and Screen Planting: Can be used to create hedges or privacy screens due to its dense growth habit.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for a variety of birds and insects, supporting local biodiversity.
- Tolerates Urban Conditions: Capable of withstanding urban pollution, making it suitable for city gardens and roadside plantings.
- Ground Cover: Can serve as effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and covering large areas with minimal plants.
- Versatile Landscaping: Suitable for a range of landscaping uses, including borders, foundation plantings, and as a specimen plant.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Bonsai: Cotoneaster harrovianus can be trained into appealing bonsai forms due to its small leaves and attractive branching patterns.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage of the Cotoneaster provides shelter for birds and insects in the garden.
- Winter Garden Interest: With its persistent berries and evergreen leaves, the plant adds color and texture to winter landscapes.
- Bank Stabilization: The Cotoneaster's extensive root system helps stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion.
- Privacy Screening: When planted in rows, it forms a dense hedge that can act as a privacy screen.
- Topiary Art: Skilled gardeners can trim the Cotoneaster into various shapes for decorative topiary gardens.
- Educational Projects: This plant can be used to teach children about plant growth, seasonal changes, and wildlife attraction in school garden projects.
- Photography Backdrop: Cotoneaster with its vivid berries can serve as an attractive backdrop for outdoor photography.
- Culinary Decoration: Although the berries are not edible, they can be used as non-toxic decorative elements in food presentation.
- Barrier Plantings: Due to its dense growth, it can be used to discourage foot traffic in certain areas of a garden or landscape.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cotoneaster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cotoneaster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Cotoneaster harrovianus is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, symbolizing the power to withstand challenges in life.
- Protection: With its dense and evergreen foliage, it is often used as a protective hedge, representing safety and shelter.
- Abundance: The plant produces plenty of red berries, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.
- Growth: Its vigorous growth habit stands for personal growth and development.
- Boundedness: The way it branches and spreads out can symbolize the interconnectedness of family and friends, or cohesion within a group.
WaterHarrovian Cotoneaster should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. It typically needs watering every one to two weeks, depending on the climate and weather conditions. The method of watering should ensure that water reaches the root zone, so slow and deep watering is preferable. During each watering session, it may need around 1 to 2 gallons of water, ensuring that excess water drains out to prevent root rot. Adjust the frequency and amount during the growing season as needed and reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
LightHarrovian Cotoneaster thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. The best spot for planting is in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, although it can also tolerate some shade. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to poor growth and fewer flowers and berries.
TemperatureHarrovian Cotoneaster is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers a range between 50°F and 70°F for optimal growth. It can survive temperatures down to around 10°F and can handle up to about 90°F without significant stress. Plants should be protected from extreme cold and frost.
PruningHarrovian Cotoneaster should be pruned to shape the plant, remove any dead or diseased branches, and promote denser growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It is generally not necessary to prune annually, but doing so every two to three years will help maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHarrow Cotoneaster thrives in well-draining soil with a mixture of loam, sand, and organic matter such as compost. The optimal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral. A balanced blend that holds moisture yet drains excess water is ideal.
RepottingHarrow Cotoneaster should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in its new container before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingHarrow Cotoneaster is quite adaptable but prefers moderate humidity levels. It does not require high humidity environments and can tolerate the dry air found in most homes without issue.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade; protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleCotoneaster harrovianus, commonly known as Harrow cotoneaster, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring assuming that conditions are favorable, with moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade exposure. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with leaves characteristic of cotoneasters—small, green, and glossy. As the plant matures, it develops a thick, woody stem and a dense, spreading habit, which can make it an excellent ground cover or hedge. During late spring to early summer, Harrow cotoneaster produces small, five-petaled, white to pale pink flowers, which are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, these flowers develop into round, red berries by autumn and are a food source for birds, aiding in the plant's seed dispersal. The plant reaches maturity in several years, and once established, it is quite hardy and can live for many years, continuing to flower and set fruit annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Cotoneaster harrovianus, commonly known as Himalayan Cotoneaster, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time for this method is during the late summer months when the plant's growth begins to slow and the stems are maturing but still slightly flexible. To propagate, select healthy, disease-free branches and make a cutting of around 6 inches (15 centimeters) in length. The base of the cutting should be cut just below a leaf node, from where roots are most likely to develop. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent excess moisture loss, then dip the base into a rooting hormone powder to enhance root growth. Place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least two nodes are buried where roots can form. The planted cuttings should be kept under conditions of high humidity and indirect sunlight until rooting occurs, which is typically within a few weeks to a couple of months. During this period, it is crucial to maintain consistent soil moisture without overwatering to prevent root rot.
