Cotoneaster dammeri Major

Cotoneaster dammeri 'Major' is a variety of Cotoneaster that is taller and more vigorous than the species, with wider and denser foliage. This spreading bush is an excellent ground cover, evergreen and robust. Ideal for covering large areas with its dense foliage that limits the growth of weeds on slopes, wall borders, or at the base of larger shrubs in beds or rockeries. In June, it is covered with small white flowers tinged with pink that turn into small, round red berries. Easy to grow, this bush will thrive even in shade and in poor soils, dry in summer.

Cotoneaster dammeri belongs to the large family of Rosaceae and is native to central and western China. This very vigorous bush is capable of withstanding severe droughts as well as harsh winters, even when growing in poor, rocky soil. The 'Major' cultivar has a spreading and creeping habit, supported by curved and flexible, reddish-brown branches. Its growth is quite fast, reaching a height of about 30 cm (11.8 in) with a spread of 2 m (6 ft 7 in) or more as its branches naturally layer. Its evergreen foliage is composed of thick and leathery, dark green and glossy, oval leaves, larger and wider than those of the species. The flowering takes place in June, in the form of tiny flowers with 5 white petals tinged with pink. This flowering, which attracts bees, gives way to bright red, fleshy fruits measuring 5 to 7 mm (0.2 to 0.3 in) in diameter, appreciated by birds.

Cotoneaster dammeri 'Major' is ideal for covering large and difficult areas of the garden, bringing a very neat touch. While it can grow in almost any conditions, it will be more fruitful in the sun and will grow faster in fertile, moist soil. Perfect at the base of a large hedge or in a shaded and bare corner of the garden, for example under a large tree, it can also be planted in a rockery to fill the spaces between other plants. Plant it on a large slope, above a wall or retaining wall, at the edge of a terrace or pathway. It can be associated, for example, with the creeping juniper 'Blue Star', Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety', and Forsythia intermedia 'Marée d'or' to add the colour it lacks.