Rock cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis, Ann. Gén. Hort. 22: 168 (1879))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Decne.

Bibliography: Ann. Gén. Hort. 22: 168 (1879)

Year: 1879

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cotoneaster

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. China, Taiwan

Description

Rock Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster horizontalis, commonly known as Rock cotoneaster, is a deciduous shrub admired for its unique appearance and versatility in landscape design. This attractive plant, first described by Decaisne in 1879 in the “Annales Générales d’Horticulture,” is a delightful member of the Rosaceae family.

Rock cotoneaster originates from Central and Southern China and Taiwan, thriving in a variety of environmental conditions. This hardy, low-growing shrub is highly valued for its distinctive herringbone pattern of branches, which create a visually striking display. The branches are adorned with small, rounded leaves that transition through vivid colors over the seasons—lush green during spring and summer, shifting to warm hues of red and orange in the autumn.

In late spring to early summer, Cotoneaster horizontalis blooms with numerous small, pinkish-white flowers. These charming blossoms are not only a captivating sight but also attract various pollinators, adding to the biodiversity of your garden. Following the blooming period, the shrub develops bright red berries that persist into winter, offering a splash of color against the often dreary winter backdrop and providing food for birds.

Rock cotoneaster is cherished by gardeners for its low-maintenance requirements and its adaptability. It can be effectively utilized as ground cover, for erosion control on slopes, or as part of a rock garden. Additionally, its ability to withstand pruning makes it an excellent choice for bonsai enthusiasts and for creating structured, formal designs.

When cultivating Cotoneaster horizontalis, it is best planted in well-drained soil with adequate sunlight, although it tolerates partial shade. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant and can thrive with minimal intervention, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

In conclusion, the Rock cotoneaster is a versatile and visually appealing plant that offers year-round interest with its foliage, floral display, and vibrant berries. Its low-maintenance nature and adaptability make it a valuable addition to various garden styles and settings.

Common Names

Ita: cotognastro orizzontale
Fra: cotonéaster horizontal, cotonnier horizontal
Deu: fächer-steinmispel, fächer-zwergmispel
Lit: guls
Pol: irga pozioma
Dan: lodret og vandret
Eng: rockspray, rockspray cotoneaster, wall cotoneaster, rock cotoneaster, rock-spray, wallspray, herringbone cotoneaster
Nld: vlakke dwergmispel
Hun: kerti madárbirs
Nob: krypmispel
Nno: krypmispel
Swe: lingonoxbär, spaljéoxbär
Ces: skalník rozprestretý, skalník rozprostřený
Cym: cotoneaster asgwrn pysgodyn, cotoneaster y mur
En: Rock cotoneaster, Rock-spray, Wall cotoneaster, Rockspray cotoneaster, Fishbone cotoneaster, Herringbone cotoneaster, Wallspray, Rockspray, Wall-spray
Hy: Չմենի հորիզոնական
Zh: Ping zhi xun zi, 小葉栒子, 平枝栒子, 平枝舖地蜈蚣
Cs: Skalník rozprostřený, Skalník rozprestretý
Da: Lodret og vandret
Nl: Vlakke dwergmispel
Fi: Sulkatuhkapensas
Fr: Cotonéaster horizontal, Cotonnier horizontal
De: Fächer-Steinmispel (Fächersteinmispel), Fächer-Zwergmispel (Fächerzwergmispel), Waagerechtwachsende Zwergmispel, Fächer-Zwergmispel, Fächer-Steinmispel, Fächerfelsenmispel, Fächermispel
Hu: Kerti madárbirs
It: Cotognastro orizzontale
Lt: Gulsčiasis kaulenis, Guls
Nb: Krypmispel
Nn: Krypmispel
Pl: Irga pozioma
Sk: Skalník rozprestretý
Es: Polegla panešplja, Cotoneaster rastrero caduco
Sv: Lingonoxbär, Spaljéoxbär
Zh-tw: 平枝舖地蜈蚣
Zh-hant: 平枝栒子
Cy: Cotoneaster Asgwrn Pysgodyn, Cotoneaster y Mur

Synonyms

• Cotoneaster microphyllus (Diels)
• Cotoneaster acuminatus prostratus (Hook.f. ex Wenz.)
• Cotoneaster horizontalis f. variegatus ((Osborn) Rehder)
• Diospyros chaffanjonii (H.Lév.)
• Pyrus perpusilla ((C.K.Schneid.) M.F.Fay & Christenh.)
• Cotoneaster horizontalis var. typicus (C.K.Schneid.)
• Pyrus atroramosa (M.F.Fay & Christenh.)
• Cotoneaster horizontalis var. variegatus (Osborn)
• Cotoneaster horizontalis var. perpusillus (C.K.Schneid.)
• Cotoneaster acuminatus var. prostratus (Hook. ex Decne.)
• Cotoneaster atrovirens (J.Fryer & B.Hylmö)
• Cotoneaster atropurpureus (Flinck & B.Hylmö)
• Pyrus horizontalis ((Decne.) M.F.Fay & Christenh.)
• Cotoneaster perpusillus ((C.K.Schneid.) Flinck & B.Hylmö)
• Cotoneaster davidianus (Dippel)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Nov 10, 2019 by sharizla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 5, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2021 by Jeff B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2021 by cscoq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 24, 2021 by Jeff B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2017 by Christian Lenhard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2021 by cscoq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2021 by Wardyn Monika (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Axel LONGEAU (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 18, 2020 by Sophie Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2019 by Jean-Daniel BLARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Mathurin Campiche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2021 by cscoq (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 27, 2022 by Holly Paige (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2021 by Luz Rojo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2019 by Tucci Francesco (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2019 by Valérie vvr (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 10, 2019 by pino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2019 by Gauthier Vimier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2019 by Jean-Daniel BLARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2019 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3025617)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:722522-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cotoneaster horizontalis Decne.)

Specifications

Growth form: Thicket Forming

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 5.5