Cotoneaster dammeri

The Cotoneaster dammeri, also known as the Dammer's Cotoneaster, is a vigorous-growing bush with a spread that covers a large area, making it a reliable and robust ground cover. Ideal for covering large areas with its dense foliage that inhibits the growth of weeds on slopes and wall edges or at the base of larger bushes in flower beds or rockeries. In June, it is covered with small white flowers streaked with pink that develop into small spherical red berries. Easy to grow, this bush will thrive even in shade and in poor soil which is dry in summer.

The Cotoneaster dammeri belongs to the large Rosaceae family and is native to central and western China. This very vigorous bush is capable of withstanding marked droughts as well as harsh winters, even when growing in poor, rocky soil. It has a spreading and creeping habit, supported by curved and flexible branches of a reddish-brown colour. Its growth is quite fast, reaching a height of about 25cm (9.8in) and a spread of 2m (6.6ft) at maturity, even more as its branches naturally layer. Its evergreen foliage is made up of small, thick, and leathery lance-shaped leaves, not exceeding 2cm (0.8in) in length and 5mm (0.2in) in width. They are very dark green and glossy. The flowering takes place in June, with very small flowers with 5 white petals streaked with pink. This nectar-rich flowering develops into fleshy fruits measuring 5 to 7mm (0.3in) in diameter, of a bright red colour, appreciated by birds.

This Cotoneaster dammeri is ideal for covering large difficult areas of the garden, adding a neat touch. While it can grow in almost any conditions, it will be more fruitful in the sun and will develop faster in fertile and 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 paired, for example, with the creeping juniper 'Blue Star', the Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' and the Forsythia intermedia 'Marée d'or courtasol' to provide the colour it lacks.