Cotoneaster salicifolius 'Repens' leaf (04/12/2011, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Early summer
Soil: Well-drained
Eventual Height: 0.5m
Eventual Spread: 5m
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6a – 10b
Family: Rosaceae
Cotoneaster salicifolius ‘Repens’ is a vigorous low growing evergreen shrub with a spreading growth habit. The leaves of the plant are pale green in colour, lance shaped, narrow, alternate, deeply veined and are up to 10 centimeters in length. The bark of the plant is gray in colour, with thin stems. The late spring flowers are white in colour, are quite fragrant and appear in the form of dense white clusters. These are followed by small. showy red pomes (berries) which last into late autumn (birds permitting)
The species Cotoneaster salicifolius, commonly known as the Willow-Leaved Cotoneaster, is native to the mountains, mixed forests and open places in Western China.
The etymological root of the binomial name Cotoneaster is derived from the old Latin name cotone ‘quince and aster being a Latin substantival suffix indicating ‘resembling’. Salicifolius is derived from the Latin ‘willow leaved’. Repens is derided from the Latin repo ‘creeping’
Cotoneaster salicifolius 'Repens' (04/12/2011, London)
The landscape architect may find Cotoneaster salicifolius ‘Repens’ useful as an effective evergreen ground cover shrub with attractive autumn fruit. It will proved effective ground cover for low maintenance areas including banks and slopes. This plant is drought tolerant once established.
Ecologically, C. salicifolius ‘Repens’ fruit attractive to birds and mammals. The flowers are attractive to nectar loving insect including bees and butterflies.
C. salicifolius ‘Repens’ prefers a fertile, well-drained soil. It will tolerate most pH of soils. It dislikes waterlogged soils
Maintenance: This plant requires little maintenance. Prune only when required.
