Cotoneaster is a various and popular choice for hedges and landscape gardening due to its dissolute growth rate . It is a stalwart flora that can endure a variety of growing conditions , include dissimilar soil types and Lord’s Day exposure . In general , cotoneaster can grow at a rate of around 20 - 40 curium per twelvemonth , making it a relatively fast - grow option for create a hedge or fill in a garden blank space .

There are three chief type of cotoneaster commonly used for hedge : Cotoneaster franchetti , Cotoneaster lacteus , and Cotoneaster horizontalis . Each of these type has its own ontogenesis characteristic and maintenance requirement .

Cotoneaster franchetti , also known as Franchet ’s cotoneaster , is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 metre in height . It features small , oval - mold leaves and get bright red berries in the autumn . This type of cotoneaster has a comparatively moderate growth rate , typically growing around 20 - 30 curium per year . It requires a light trim once a class , preferably after the berries have fall , to maintain its shape and promote tidy ontogenesis .

Cotoneaster lacteus , or the cherry clusterberry , is an evergreen plant shrub that can accomplish meridian of up to 4 meter . It has shining , blue unripened leave and produce clusters of small , carmine berries in fall . Similar to Cotoneaster franchetti , Cotoneaster lacteus also grows at a temperate pace of around 20 - 30 cm per class . It only requires a illumination trim once a year , after the berries have fallen , to keep it looking neat and tidy .

Cotoneaster horizontalis , also known as rockspray cotoneaster , is a low - growing shrub that can spread up to 2 meters in width . It has clear-cut horizontally spreading branches and small , coloured green leaves . This eccentric of cotoneaster has a slightly faster growth charge per unit compared to the other two type , typically turn around 30 - 40 atomic number 96 per year . It requires prune in late wintertime or early natural spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and defend its desire soma .

In my personal experience as a nurseryman , I have found cotoneaster to be a authentic and relatively tight - grow plant . It is important to allow enough space for its growth , especially for Cotoneaster lacteus and Cotoneaster horizontalis , which can spread quite all-inclusive . even pruning and maintenance will help promote tidy growth and ensure the hedge or landscape gardening feature remains well - maintained and visually likeable .

If you are reckon for a fast - grow hedge or landscape painting plant , cotoneaster is a gravid choice . With its moderate to degraded growth rate and low-spirited maintenance requisite , it can quickly replete in empty spaces and provide a lush and green background to your garden .

Caroline Bates