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Tibetan Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster conspicuus

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Rosales
Family:
Rosaceae (Rose)
Also in this family:
Acute Leaf-lobed Lady's-mantle, Alpine Cinquefoil, Alpine Lady's-mantle, Ampfield Cotoneaster, Arran Service Tree, Arran Whitebeam, Barren Strawberry, Bastard Agrimony, Bastard Service Tree, Bearberry Cotoneaster, Bird Cherry, Blackthorn, Bloody Whitebeam, Bramble, Bristol Whitebeam, Broad-leaved Whitebeam, Broadtooth Lady's-mantle, Bronze Pirri-pirri-bur, Bullace Plum, Bullate Cotoneaster, Burnet Rose, Catacol Whitebeam, Caucasian Lady's-mantle, Cheddar Whitebeam, Cherry Laurel, Cherry Plum, Chinese Photinia, Cloudberry, Clustered Lady's-mantle, Common Agrimony, Common Hawthorn, Common Lady's-mantle, Common Medlar, Common Ninebark, Common Whitebeam, Crab Apple, Creeping Chinese Bramble, Creeping Cinquefoil, Crimean Lady's-mantle, Cultivated Apple, Cultivated Pear, Cut-leaved Blackberry, Damson, Devon Whitebeam, Dewberry, Diel's Cotoneaster, Dog Rose, Doward Whitebeam, Dropwort, Elm-leaved Bramble, English Whitebeam, Entire-leaved Cotoneaster, False Salmonberry, Field Rose, Firethorn, Fodder Burnet, Fragrant Agrimony, Franchet's Cotoneaster, Garden Lady's-mantle, Garden Strawberry, Giant Meadowsweet, Glaucous Dog Rose, Goatsbeard Spiraea, Gough's Rock Whitebeam, Great Burnet, Greengage Plum, Grey-leaved Whitebeam, Hairless Lady's-mantle, Hairy Lady's-mantle, Hautbois Strawberry, Himalayan Blackberry, Himalayan Cotoneaster, Himalayan Whitebeam, Hoary Cinquefoil, Hollyberry Cotoneaster, Hupeh Rowan, Hybrid Cinquefoil, Hybrid Geum, Irish Whitebeam, Japanese Cherry, Japanese Quince, Japanese Rose, Jew's Mallow, Juneberry, Lancaster Whitebeam, Late Cotoneaster, Least Lady's-mantle, Least Whitebeam, Leigh Woods Whitebeam, Ley's Whitebeam, Liljefor's Whitebeam, Littleleaf Cotoneaster, Llangollen Whitebeam, Llanthony Whitebeam, Lleyn Cotoneaster, Loganberry, Many-flowered Rose, Margaret's Whitebeam, Marsh Cinquefoil, Meadowsweet, Midland Hawthorn, Mougeot's Whitebeam, Mountain Ash, Mountain Avens, Mountain Sibbaldia, Moupin's Cotoneaster, No Parking Whitebeam, Ocean Spray, Orange Whitebeam, Pale Bridewort, Pale Lady's-mantle, Parsley Piert, Pirri-pirri-bur, Plymouth Pear, Portuguese Laurel, Purple-flowered Raspberry, Quince, Raspberry, Rock Cinquefoil, Rock Lady's-mantle, Rock Whitebeam, Round-leaved Dog Rose, Round-leaved Whitebeam, Rum Cherry, Russian Cinquefoil, Salad Burnet, Sargent's Rowan, Scannell's Whitebeam, Service Tree, Sharp-toothed Whitebeam, Sherard's Downy Rose, Shining Lady's-mantle, Ship Rock Whitebeam, Short-styled Rose, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Silver Lady's-mantle, Silverweed, Slender Parsley Piert, Slender-spined Bramble, Small-flowered Sweetbriar, Small-leaved Sweetbriar, Soft Downy Rose, Somerset Whitebeam, Sorbaria, Sour Cherry, Southern Downy Rose, Southern Lady's-mantle, Spineless Acaena, Spring Cinquefoil, St. Lucie's Cherry, Steeplebush, Stern's Cotoneaster, Stirton's Whitebeam, Stone Bramble, Sulphur Cinquefoil, Swedish Service Tree, Swedish Whitebeam, Sweet Briar, Symond's Yat Whitebeam, Tengyueh Cotoneaster, Thimbleberry, Thin-leaved Whitebeam, Tormentil, Trailing Tormentil, Tree Cotoneaster, Trefoil Cinquefoil, Twin-cliffs Whitebeam, Two-spined Acaena, Wall Cotoneaster, Water Avens, Waterer's Cotoneaster, Waxy Lady's-mantle, Welsh Cotoneaster, Welsh Whitebeam, White Burnet, White's Whitebeam, White-stemmed Bramble, Wild Cherry, Wild Pear, Wild Plum, Wild Service Tree, Wild Strawberry, Willmott's Whitebeam, Willow-leaved Bridewort, Willow-leaved Cotoneaster, Wineberry, Wood Avens, Wye Whitebeam, Yellow-flowered Strawberry
Type:
Evergreen shrub
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
150 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, hedgerows, roadsides, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
White, 5 petals
 
The small solitary flowers can be pink or (most often) white. The petals are spreading. 20 stamens. Purplish-black anthers. Pollinated by flies and midges.
Fruit:
Erect, orange or red berries. Fruits ripen from October to December.
Leaves:
A dense evergreen shrub, found in the wild in the UK as a garden escape. Minute, shiny, dark green, linear to ovate leaves. The leaves are grey and woolly on the undersides. Arching branches.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Cotoneaster conspicuus is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae, native to China. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree with dark green leaves and small, pink flowers that appear in the spring. In the fall, the plant produces small, red berries that are attractive to birds. Cotoneaster conspicuus is known for its attractive flowers and berries and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The leaves of Cotoneaster conspicuus are glossy and have a smooth margin. They are arranged alternately on the stem and are oblong or elliptical in shape. The specific epithet "conspicuus" means "conspicuous" or "striking", and may refer to the plant's attractive flowers and berries.

Blog

Tibetan Cotoneaster: A Versatile and Attractive Shrub

Cotoneaster conspicuus, also known as the Tibetan cotoneaster, is a deciduous shrub that is native to the Himalayas. This hardy plant is well-suited for gardens and landscapes, as it is easy to grow, low-maintenance, and provides year-round interest.

One of the most striking features of the Tibetan cotoneaster is its vibrant red and orange fall foliage, which provides a stunning contrast against its glossy green leaves. In the summer, clusters of small white or pink flowers bloom, attracting bees and other pollinators. And in the winter, its branches are covered in bright red berries that provide food for wildlife.

In addition to its ornamental qualities, the Tibetan cotoneaster is also a highly versatile plant. It can be grown as a specimen plant or used in borders, hedges, or rock gardens. It also makes a great groundcover, as it can spread to fill in open areas and help control erosion on slopes.

The Tibetan cotoneaster is also well-suited for a variety of soil types, from well-drained to moist and even clay. It can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and is generally resistant to pests and diseases.

However, it is important to note that the Tibetan cotoneaster is considered an invasive species in some areas, so it's important to research and follow local regulations before planting.

In conclusion, the Tibetan cotoneaster is a beautiful and useful shrub that can add color, texture, and interest to any garden or landscape. Its ease of care, versatility, and hardiness make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Caring for Your Tibetan Cotoneaster

Caring for your Tibetan cotoneaster is relatively simple and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving:

  1. Watering: During the first year after planting, be sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. After that, the plant is fairly drought-tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged dry spells.

  2. Pruning: Pruning is not necessary, but you can remove any dead or damaged branches at any time. If you want to control the size of the plant, you can prune it back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

  3. Fertilizing: The Tibetan cotoneaster does not require frequent fertilizing, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth.

  4. Pest and Disease Control: This plant is generally pest and disease-resistant, but you should keep an eye out for any issues that may arise. Common problems include aphids, scale insects, and fungal diseases. If you do notice any issues, treating them promptly can help prevent them from spreading.

Overall, the Tibetan cotoneaster is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. With the right conditions and a little bit of attention, it will provide years of beauty and interest in your garden or landscape.

In conclusion, the Tibetan cotoneaster is an attractive and versatile shrub that is easy to grow and care for. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, this plant is sure to be a valuable addition to your landscape. With its vibrant foliage, beautiful flowers, and abundant berries, it is sure to add color, interest, and wildlife value to your garden for years to come.

Designing with Tibetan Cotoneaster

The Tibetan cotoneaster is a versatile shrub that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. Here are some design ideas to help you incorporate this plant into your garden:

  1. As a specimen plant: If you want to showcase the beauty of the Tibetan cotoneaster, consider planting it as a specimen plant. This means planting it in a prominent location, such as in the center of a bed or in front of a building, so that it can be appreciated from all angles.

  2. In borders: The Tibetan cotoneaster makes an excellent choice for borders, as it can help define garden beds and provide a backdrop for other plants. Plant it along the edge of a bed, or in a row to create a low hedge.

  3. In rock gardens: The plant's tolerance for various soil types and its ability to grow on slopes make it well-suited for rock gardens. Plant it in and around rocks and boulders to create a naturalistic look.

  4. As a groundcover: If you have a large area to cover, the Tibetan cotoneaster can be used as a groundcover. It spreads slowly, but steadily, and will help control erosion on slopes and fill in open areas.

  5. In wildlife gardens: The Tibetan cotoneaster's bright red berries provide food for wildlife in the winter, making it a great addition to wildlife gardens. Plant it near bird feeders or bird baths to attract birds and other wildlife to your yard.

No matter how you choose to use the Tibetan cotoneaster in your landscape, it is sure to add beauty and interest to your garden. With its versatile nature, vibrant foliage, and attractive berries, it is a valuable addition to any landscape design.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Tibetan cotoneaster is an attractive and versatile shrub that is easy to grow and care for. With its bright foliage, beautiful flowers, and abundant berries, it is sure to add color, interest, and wildlife value to your garden for years to come. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, this plant is sure to be a valuable addition to your landscape.

Caring for the Tibetan cotoneaster is relatively simple, and with the right conditions and a little bit of attention, it will provide years of beauty and interest. It is tolerant of various soil types, and can grow in both full sun and partial shade, making it a flexible choice for a range of garden styles and conditions.

The Tibetan cotoneaster can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape, from planting it as a specimen plant to using it as a groundcover. It is well-suited for rock gardens, wildlife gardens, and as a border or low hedge. No matter how you choose to use it, this shrub is sure to add beauty and interest to your garden.

Overall, the Tibetan cotoneaster is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a versatile and low-maintenance shrub that will provide years of beauty and interest.

Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map