Cotoneaster dielsianus (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Late spring to early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1m
Eventual Spread: 3m
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Rosaceae
Cotoneaster dielsianus is a deciduous shrub with a spreading, mounding habit. Its dark green glossy leaves are elliptic with entire margins, up to 25mm long and 15mm broad. Its leaves turn orange/ red in autumn before they fall. Its pink flowers are u to 7mm across. Its red fruit are pomes, up to 8mm across, mature in late summer and may be retained on the plant during the winter months.
Cotoneaster dielsianus Berries (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Cotoneaster dielsianus, commonly known as Diels’ Cotoneaster, is native to central China. In its native habitat it grows in thickets and woodland margins and pen grassland . This species Cotoneaster of is becoming naturalised in the UK.
The etymological root of the binomial name Cotoneaster is derived from the old Latin name cotone meaning ‘quince and aster being a Latin substantival suffix indicating ‘resembling’. Dielsianus is named after Fredrich Ludwig Emil Diels (1874-1945), a German botanist and plant collector.
The landscape architect may find Cotoneaster dielsianus useful as an effective ground cover shrub. It may also be used an an informal hedge.
Ecologically, Cotoneaster dielsianus flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its berries are attractive to birds.
Cotoneaster dielsianus Leaf (21/10/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Cotoneaster dielsianus prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Cotoneaster dielsianus requires little maintenance.
