Plant cotoneaster in early to mid-fall or in spring, while you can still water. Keep the rootball at least 45 cm (18 in) out from a wall or fence so rain reaches the roots.
Plant in fall or spring, 45 cm from a wall
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | Early to mid-fall, or spring while the soil is workable | Do not plant into frozen ground, or into midsummer heat with no water |
| Wall offset | Rootball at least 45 cm (18 in) out from a wall or fence | Do not tuck the ball into the rain shadow under an overhang |
| Depth | Hole as deep as the nursery ball; crown at ground level | Do not plant deeper than it grew in the pot |
| Spacing | Groundcover 3–5 ft (90–150 cm); hedge 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m) | Do not crowd plants so humidity sits on the flowers |
Fall and spring are the windows because the soil is warm enough for roots and you can still water. [1] Pick a permanent spot. Cotoneaster does not like being moved once it is in. [2] Rock Cotoneaster against a wall still needs that 45 cm gap so the roots are not under the eaves.
When should I plant cotoneaster?
Early to mid-fall or spring. You can plant in winter if the ground is not frozen. A summer purchase should go in at once and be watered.
How far from a wall should I plant cotoneaster?
At least 45 cm (18 in). Soil at the wall base sits in the rain shadow of the overhang and stays dry.
How to plant cotoneaster
Work one plant at a time: open a wide hole, set the crown at grade, then water to settle. Mulch a groundcover the same day, because weeding later is hard once the stems close over. [3]
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the rootball and the same depth — no deeper. Set the crown at ground level.
- For a wall or fence, place the rootball 45 cm out and lean the stems toward the support. Tie them to wires or trellis as they grow. [4]
- For a groundcover, space plants 3–5 ft apart and mulch between them at planting, before the stems close over.
- For a hedge, space plants 4–6 ft apart. Fill with the soil you dug out, firm, and water thoroughly. Keep mulch off the stem. Hedge Cotoneaster needs that hedge spacing, not a groundcover slot.
How far apart do I plant cotoneaster?
Groundcover 3–5 ft. Hedge 4–6 ft. Give a wall shrub the 45 cm offset first, then let the stems fill toward the support.
Sun, drain, and the first two years of water live on How to Grow Cotoneaster.
If a new plant sits dry under a wall overhang, move the rootball out to 45 cm so rain can reach it.
FAQ
Can I move an established cotoneaster?
It often sulks. Choose the spot as if it will stay. If you must move one, do it in fall or early spring, keep a large rootball, and water it through the next two summers.
Can I plant cotoneaster in summer?
Yes if you bought it then, but you must water it. Fall and spring are easier because the soil stays moist while roots leave the nursery ball.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Royal Horticultural Society -
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/cotoneaster/growing-guide - [2] Gardener's Path -
https://gardenerspath.com/plants/ornamentals/grow-cotoneaster/ - [3] Homes and Gardens -
https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/how-to-grow-cotoneaster - [4] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cotoneaster-horizontalis/
This note is part of Cotoneaster Guides.
More planting notes by plant are gathered in Planting Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors