Horizontal cotoneaster with bright red fruits

The cotoneaster is not distinguished by the brightness of its flowers or the original form of leaves, so it does not cause much enthusiasm among gardeners. Nevertheless, his varieties have always been in demand.

Among the variety of its species, the horizontal cotoneaster, which has tremendous winter hardiness, stands out.

This compact shrub has shoots that grow parallel to the ground and are very reminiscent of the location of the ridge of fish. Its leathery leaves with an almost round shape and a noticeable luster in spring and summer have a dark green color, turning into a crimson autumn. The flowers of this plant are barely noticeable, but the fruits that the cotoneaster gives horizontal have a spherical shape and a bright red color. They are not poisonous and usually remain on the branches until the spring.

The horizontal cotoneaster is brought from the central regions of China, where it grows on the slopes of mountains. In addition, it is very common in many cities in Europe and East Asia, and recently it has been used in landscaping and in North America.

The most popular varieties of cotoneaster, such as Variegatus, are especially attractive in the autumn when a white or creamy narrow border appears on its leaves, as well as Saxatilis with characteristic lying branches and small leaves.

The horizontal cotoneaster loves fertile soil and a sunny place, although it also tolerates shaded areas well. To humidity, this shrub is not particularly demanding, since it is drought-resistant. The most optimal for its normal growth are drained substrate soils.

The cotoneaster is a horizontal, photo of which, made in autumn, can often be found in specialized magazines, adapts well to the environment. It is well tolerated and gas pollution of urban air, and a clean mountain climate.

However, the biggest advantage of this plant is its frost resistance.

The cotoneaster is horizontal, care for which does not require special care, is a valuable decorative shrub and always looks great in the garden because of the brightness of its fruits and the autumn color of the leaves. It produces a very dense and spectacular hedge or curb.

In addition, this plant can be used as a tapeworm or planted on the lawn in large groups.

In spring and summer, just before flowering, shrubs need fertilizers. If the amount of precipitation is normal, then the horizontal cotoneaster can not be watered at all. Water to this plant is needed only in hot, arid summer.

The cotoneaster requires shallow loosening with the simultaneous removal of weeds. The plant tolerates the pruning well, after which it grows strongly, forming a dense hedge. The shrub is cut off by one third of the length of its year-old shoot.

For the winter, the cotoneaster in the northern regions should be covered with dry leaves or mulched by a peat layer up to six centimeters. In addition, the branches should be bent to the ground for the winter.

The plant multiplies by seeds, which must be stratified before planting, as well as by cuttings and cuttings. Selection of material is carried out at the end of July, and after planting at a distance of up to two meters from each other at a landing depth of up to seventy centimeters.