Waterer's Cotoneaster Cotoneaster × watereri
ABOUT
Cotoneaster × watereri, commonly known as Waterer's cotoneaster, is a hybrid garden plant characterized by its dense and somewhat spreading branches which create a rounded appearance. The leaves are small to mid-sized, usually with a deep green glossy upper surface and a lighter underside. They are typically oval-shaped, with smooth, somewhat curved edges, and may turn to bronze or reddish hues in the fall. The plant produces tiny, five-petaled flowers in spring, which are primarily white with a pinkish tinge. These flowers are occasionally attractively contrasted against the green foliage and can attract bees and other pollinators to the garden. By late summer or autumn, it often bears rounded or slightly oval-shaped fruits. The berries are red or orange-red, providing a striking splash of color in the landscape and serving as a food source for birds. The overall texture of the plant is dense, making it suitable for use as a hedge or as part of a mixed border for year-round interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Waterer's Cotoneaster, Watereri Cotoneaster.
Common names
Cotoneaster watereri
ToxicityTo humans
Cotoneaster, which includes the Cotoneaster × watereri, is generally considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. However, it contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. The ingestion of large quantities of the berries could potentially result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In very rare cases where an exceptionally large amount has been consumed, more serious symptoms such as respiratory difficulties, increased heart rate, dizziness, and even convulsions could occur. Medical attention should be sought if ingestion is suspected, especially in children who might be more sensitive to the plant's toxins.
To pets
Cotoneaster, including Cotoneaster × watereri, is recognized as mildly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It contains cyanogenic glycosides, which have the potential to release cyanide when digested. Small amounts typically result in minor symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, which can include vomiting and diarrhea. If a large amount of the plant, especially the berries, is ingested by a pet, it could lead to more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, weakness, seizures, or even coma. Due to the variability in individual pet reactions to toxins, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
8 feet [2.4 meters]
Spread
8 feet [2.4 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: The berries produced by Waterer Cotoneaster provide a valuable food source for birds during the autumn and winter months.
- Low Maintenance: Waterer Cotoneaster is known for being an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this plant is relatively drought tolerant, making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion.
- Hedging and Screening: Waterer Cotoneaster is often used for creating hedgerows and screens because of its dense foliage, offering privacy and wind protection.
- Year-Round Interest: With its evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves, attractive flowers, and vibrant berries, Waterer Cotoneaster provides visual interest throughout the year.
- Ground Cover: The low-growing varieties can spread across the ground, covering bare spots and suppressing weeds.
- Garden Design: Offers versatility in landscape design, useful for borders, foundations, and as a focal point in garden beds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cotoneaster hedges can serve as a noise barrier, reducing traffic or neighborhood noise when planted densely along roadsides or property lines.
- These plants can be shaped into topiary forms to create artistic garden sculptures or detailed hedge shapes.
- Cotoneaster is often used in bonsai culture, where its intricate branching and berry production offer aesthetic appeal.
- The dense foliage provides excellent nesting sites for birds, offering protection from predators and the elements.
- Some species of Cotoneaster, due to their dense growth, can be used to stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion.
- The plant's berries serve as a food source for various birds and wildlife during autumn and winter months.
- Cotoneaster branches can be used for wreath making and other decorative crafts due to their attractive berries and foliage.
- The plant can be used as a "living mulch" to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture in garden beds.
- In landscape design, Cotoneaster can act as a backdrop for other plants, highlighting their features with its contrasting foliage.
- Dried Cotoneaster berries are sometimes used in potpourri mixes to add color and texture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cotoneaster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Resilience: Cotoneaster × watereri is known for its hardy nature, capable of withstanding challenging conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and remain strong in the face of adversity.
- Unity and Collaboration: The way the branches of the Cotoneaster intertwine and support each other reflects interconnectedness and the importance of coming together to create something stronger.
- Protection: With its dense growth habit, Cotoneaster provides shelter for wildlife, symbolizing safety, security, and the nurturing of life.
- Perseverance: The cotoneaster's ability to grow in poor soils and recover from pruning and damage symbolizes the capacity to persist and thrive despite challenges.
- Abundance: The abundant red berries of the Cotoneaster can symbolize prosperity and the bounty of nature, often associated with an ample harvest or riches.
WaterThe Cotoneaster 'John Waterer' should be watered deeply once or twice a week during dry periods, providing about 1-2 gallons per plant each time. Allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. During winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture. For container-grown specimens, ensure that the pot has adequate drainage to allow excess water to escape, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
LightCotoneaster 'John Waterer' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Place it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. Although it can tolerate some shade, too much will result in fewer flowers and berries and a less dense growth habit.
TemperatureCotoneaster 'John Waterer' is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from well below freezing to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It performs best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the plant is protected from extreme winter cold with adequate mulch.
PruningPrune the Cotoneaster 'John Waterer' to maintain shape and health, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches, and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Pruning can also be done to control size and encourage a dense growth habit.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWaterer's cotoneaster thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite is ideal for good drainage and fertility.
RepottingWaterer's cotoneaster does not require frequent repotting. You can repot it every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container to replenish the soil and encourage health.
Humidity & MistingWaterer's cotoneaster is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and typically does well in the humidity levels found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or part shade with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Cotoneaster × watereri, commonly known as Waterer's cotoneaster, begins its life cycle as a seed, often spread by birds who feed on its fruit. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and begins to establish a root system while simultaneously growing its first leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative growth stage, developing a woody stem, branches, and foliage, becoming a hardy shrub. Waterer's cotoneaster enters the reproductive stage in late spring to early summer, producing small, five-petaled, pink or white flowers which are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, these flowers develop into small red berries, or pomes, which persist into fall and sometimes winter, completing the cycle as they entice birds, facilitating seed dispersal. Throughout its life, which can span several decades, it goes through cycles of dormancy in the winter and active growth in the spring and summer.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early autumn
Cotoneaster × watereri, commonly known as Waterer's Cotoneaster, is frequently propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time to take these cuttings is in late summer, after the current season's growth has started to harden but is not yet fully woody. To do this, choose healthy stems and cut sections about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long. Make sure each cutting has several leaves, and remove the lower leaves to expose a clear stem section. The cut end of the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone to improve the chances of successful root development. Then, plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, watering them adequately to maintain consistent moisture. Covering the cuttings with a plastic bag can create a greenhouse effect, fostering humidity that encourages root growth. It typically takes a few weeks for cuttings to root, after which they can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually planted out.
