Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, well-draining soil in full sun. Hardy in Zones 4-7. Prune as needed after blooming.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Cotoneaster multiflorus, commonly called many-flowered cotoneaster, is a large, deciduous shrub native to forested slopes, river valleys, thickets, and streambanks in central Asia and portions of northern and western China. It has escaped cultivation and can be found in hedgerows and old home sites throughout Europe. Mature plants will reach 8-12' tall with a 12-15' spread, developing a mounding habit with arching, slender branches. The leaves are ovate in shape and will reach 0.75-3" long. Small, white, malodorous flowers are held in axillary clusters of 3-12 and bloom in spring. The flowers are followed by round, dark red fruits that are attractive to birds.
Genus name comes from the Latin cotonea meaning "quince" and aster meaning "resembling" or "similar to".
The specific epithet multiflorus means "many flowered" in reference to the showy display of blooms produced by this species.
Problems
Susceptible to fireblight, leaf spots and canker. Watch for aphids, cotoneaster webworm and lacebugs. Mites may appear, particularly in hot and dry conditions.
Uses
Accent specimen, back of mixed shrub borders.