Cotoneaster is not distinguished by the brightness of its flowers or the original shape of the leaves, so it does not cause much enthusiasm among gardeners. Nevertheless, its varieties have always been in demand.
Among the variety of its species, the horizontal cotoneaster, which has amazing winter hardiness, stands out.
This compact shrub has shoots that grow parallel to the ground and are very reminiscent of the backbone of a fish in their arrangement. Its leathery leaves are almost round in shape and have a noticeable sheen in spring and summer, they are dark green in color, turning purple in autumn. The flowers of this plant are hardly noticeable, but the fruits that the cotoneaster gives horizontal are spherical in shape and bright red in color. They are not poisonous and usually remain on the branches until spring.
Horizontal cotoneaster brought from the central regions of China, where it grows on the slopes of the mountains. In addition, it is very common in many cities in Europe and East Asia, and more recently it has been used in landscaping in North America.
The most popular cotoneaster cultivars are Variegatus, especially attractive in autumn, when a white or cream narrow border appears on its leaves, as well as Saxatilis with characteristic lying branches and small leaves.
Horizontal cotoneaster loves fertile soil and a sunny place, although it also tolerates shaded areas well. This shrub is not particularly demanding on humidity, since it is drought-resistant. The most optimal for its normal growth are drained substrate soils.
Horizontal cotoneaster, a photo of which, taken in autumn, can often be found in specialized magazines, adapts well to the environment. It tolerates both the gas content of urban air and the clean mountain climate.
However, the biggest plus of this plant is its frost resistance.
Horizontal cotoneaster, which does not require special care, is a valuable ornamental shrub and always looks great in the garden because of the brightness of its fruits and the autumn color of the leaves. It makes a very dense and spectacular hedge or border.
Also, this plant can be used as a tapeworm or planted in large groups in the lawn.
In spring and summer, just before flowering, shrubs need fertilizer. If the amount of precipitation is normal, then the cotoneaster horizontal can not be watered at all. Waterthis plant is needed only in hot, dry summers.
Cotoneaster requires shallow loosening with simultaneous removal of weeds. The plant tolerates pruning well, after which it grows strongly, forming a dense hedge. The shrub is cut to one third of the length of its annual shoot.
For the winter, cotoneaster in the northern regions should be covered with dry leaves or mulched with a peat layer up to six centimeters. In addition, the branches for the winter need to be bent to the ground.
The plant propagates by seeds, which must be stratified before planting, as well as layering and cuttings. The selection of material is carried out at the end of July, and then they are planted at a distance of up to two meters from each other with a planting depth of up to seventy centimeters.
