Bearberry Cotoneaster

Bearberry cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri, Rosaceae) is an evergreen to semi-evergreen prostrate groundcover from central China, typically reaching about 2 feet tall. It roots readily along the ground, forming dense, creeping mats. Small white flowers with pink outer sides appear in May, followed by bright red, glossy berries (6 millimeters) that persist into fall. Foliage turns reddish-bronze to purple in winter.

Bearberry cotoneaster grows in full sun to part shade on adaptable, well-drained soils, hardy in Zones 5a to 8b. It is easy to grow and useful for erosion control on banks and slopes. Documented diseases include scab, bacterial blight, fire blight, and Phytophthora root rot. Pest associations include spider mite, cotoneaster webworm, and aphid. Cultivars include 'Lowfast' (mat-forming, 10 to 15 inches), 'Eichholz' (dwarf mounding, 1 foot), and 'Coral Beauty' (pink-coral fruit, 2 feet).