How to grow and care for rock cotoneaster

Rock cotoneaster is barren and does not require high soil. It can be cultivated in loose and breathable soil. Keep the soil slightly wet and give it the right amount of light. Propagation can be done by seeding or cutting. Here are details of growing rock cotoneaster care.

When & where to grow rock cotoneaster

Depending on the species, rock cotoneaster is hardy to zone 4 in New England. Deciduous species are the hardiest for New England. Purchase plants from a local garden center and plant from spring to early fall in well-drained, Fertile soil, amended with compost. rock cotoneaster isn't fussy about the soil type but grows better in loose soil. Cotoneaster has a small root system. When we grow and care for rock cotoneaster, carefully remove it from its container to plant. Plant at the same depth as the shrub was in the container spacing plants 3 to 5 feet apart.

Watering rock cotoneaster

Cotoneaster only needs water in case of strong heat, except for the first year after planting where watering should be constant.

It is also good to water in summer especially if It's been days since the last rainfall.

Potted cotoneaster, however, has much higher water needs, and you should water as soon as you notice the surface soil dry off.

How to care for rock cotoneaster

Soil

It is resistant to infertile, the requirement to soil is not high, with loose breathable soil can be cultivated.

Light

It likes half shade, do not need too much sun irradiation, but also can not grow in the place without light completely.

Pruning 

Evergreen species are best pruned at the beginning of spring to shape and balance the shrub to your taste.

Rock cotoneaster can bear pruning well. If needed, hack away at it with severe pruning since the shrub can take it without a fuss. When we grow and care for rock cotoneaster, just try to remain within this "early Spring" time frame.

In the same manner, you can remodel and prune all deciduous varieties by pruning just before spring growth.

Regular pruning helps keep the shrub dense, ensures nice flowers and thick foliage.

Diseases and parasites of rock cotoneaster

Quite resistant in the face of many diseases, cotoneaster can however fall victim to fire blight. If this happens, survival chances are, sadly, very low.

Scale insects and aphids occasionally appear in summer. These are the two main cotoneaster parasites.

Rock cotoneaster propagation

1. Sowing method: collect seeds in the fruit period and sow them along with the harvest. Or store the seeds in wet sand and plant them next spring.

2. Cutting method: the best in spring or summer. Take healthy, semi-lignified branches and cut them about 10-15cm in length. Remove most of the leaves and insert them into the prepared soil. Compact the soil and wait to take root.