Bearberry Cotoneaster

Bearberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri) is a tough, low groundcover that covers ground quickly and looks good while it does. It grows only 25cm tall but spreads about 80cm, with small dark green leaves, tiny white flowers and bright red berries through autumn and winter. It is completely frost hardy to -20C and adapts to most soils, light levels and climates.

Why you'll love it

• Quick cover. A vigorous low spreader that knits into a dense mat, so bare ground and weedy corners fill in sooner than with slower groundcovers.
• Flowers, then berries. Tiny white blossom is followed by bright red berries through autumn and winter, which gives the mat colour when many plants have finished.
• Genuinely frost hardy. It is hardy to -20C, which puts it among the toughest groundcovers for cold gardens.
• Adaptable. Sun or shade, most soil types and most climates suit it, including clay and alkaline ground.
• Food for birds. Birds eat the berries, which brings movement and life to a low planting.

Where it works best

Groundcover and mass planting. Plant 60cm apart for a dense groundcover. With an 80cm spread, the plants meet within a season or two and shade out most weeds beneath them.

Slopes, banks and wall tops. The dense stems cover and hold sloping ground, and they spill softly over the top of a low retaining wall.

Difficult spots. It copes with sun or part shade and with hard conditions, so it suits the verge, the dry corner and the bed nobody wants to weed.

Growing Bearberry Cotoneaster in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or part shade. It adapts to nearly any climate and is completely frost hardy to -20C, so cool and cold gardens suit it as well as milder ones.

Soil. Adaptable. Clay, alkaline and ordinary garden soil are all fine. Mulch after planting to hold moisture while the young plant establishes.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. After flowering, prune and apply a controlled release fertiliser to promote a dense habit.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to keep the mat dense and the edges in bounds. Birds spread the seed, so seedlings can appear nearby; they are easy to pull out. Some cotoneasters are listed as environmental weeds in parts of Australia, so check your local council or state weed list before planting near bushland.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bearberry Cotoneaster as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes are the economical way to cover a large area, and the plant is vigorous enough to catch up fast. Plants travel upright, settle in quickly and begin to spread once the roots have taken hold.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our groundcover range
• Groundcovers for low maintenance gardens
• Plants for retaining walls and banks
• Top plants for ground cover

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 60cm apart for a dense mat. Go to 80cm if you are happy to wait a little longer for the plants to meet.

Is it frost hardy?

Completely. It is hardy to -20C, so it is one of the safest choices for cold gardens.

Will it spread where I do not want it?

It spreads steadily by growth, and birds can carry the seed elsewhere. Seedlings are easy to pull out, but check your local weed list before planting near bushland. The berries are not for eating, so keep them in mind around young children and pets.