Cotoneaster lacteus

Late Cotoneaster

A striking, late-berrying shrub for the garden, Cotoneaster lacteus is a large, evergreen, flowering shrub, which can also be grown as a hedge or on banks and slopes. The deep green, ovate leaves, 2 /6cm long, have downy white hairs on the underside. Small, single, white flowers appear in summer, and are perfect for pollinators. The flowers are followed by masses of small, green berries, ripening to scarlet, which make good food for the birds once the frost has softened them a little; they are not edible for humans, though. Late cotoneaster holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit, is low-maintenance, and is drought-tolerant once established.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any light, dry, well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: All year, summer and autumn in particular
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 8-13 (2.5-4m) Spread: 8-13 (2.5-4m) in 10-20 years