Botanical profile

Cotoneaster apiculatus

Latin name
Cotoneaster apiculatus
Common name
Cotoneaster apiculatus
Type
Ornamental groundcover shrub
Family
Rosaceae

Cotoneaster apiculatus, also known as cranberry cotoneaster, is a highly valued groundcover shrub admired for its low, spreading habit and four-season decorative appeal. It forms a dense and regular carpet, ideal for embankments, rockeries, borders, and mass plantings, where it effectively limits erosion. Its lustrous dark green deciduous foliage turns stunning purplish-red shades in autumn, adding significant ornamental value at the end of the season. In spring, it produces small, discreet pale pink flowers, followed in autumn by an abundant fruiting of persistent bright red berries, very attractive to wildlife. Hardy, tolerant, and easy to maintain, Cotoneaster apiculatus is well-suited to Quebec conditions and makes an excellent choice for sustainable, low-maintenance landscaping.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 4–7
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Moderate
Fertilization
Light in spring
Soil type
Well-drained, tolerant
Minimum temperature
-34°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
Pale pink
Fruiting
Evergreen decorative bright red berries
Foliage color
Dark green → purplish red in autumn
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Sprawling and dense ground cover
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
0.4–0.6 m (1.3–2 ft)
Width
1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft)
Growth rate
Moderate
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Fruit tree type
Small ornamental fruit
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.