Cotoneaster lacteus - Late Cotoneaster
An elegant evergreen shrub with gracefully arching branches clothed in distinctive oval leaves with prominent veining. Clusters of creamy white flowers appear in summer, followed by masses of bright red berries that provide outstanding autumn and winter colour.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring: Fresh grey-green foliage emerges on arching branches
- Summer: Clusters of creamy white flowers attract bees and butterflies
- Autumn: Heavy crops of bright red berries develop
- Winter: Evergreen foliage and persistent red berries feed birds
Key Features
- Attractive evergreen with graceful arching habit
- Fully hardy to -15°C
- Exceptional berry display persisting well into winter
- Excellent hedging and screening plant
- RHS Award of Garden Merit
Perfect For
Informal hedging, screening, mixed shrub borders, wildlife gardens, and as a specimen shrub. The berries provide valuable winter food for birds, particularly thrushes and blackbirds.
Growing Tips
Plant in any well-drained soil in sun or part shade. Tolerates poor soils, pollution, and exposed positions once established. Trim lightly after flowering for hedging; otherwise minimal pruning needed. Drought-tolerant once established.
Looks Great With
Combines well with Pyracantha, Viburnum tinus, ornamental grasses, late-flowering perennials, and winter-flowering heathers. The red berries create beautiful contrasts with evergreen conifers and silver-leaved plants.
A versatile evergreen shrub that provides reliable structure, wildlife value, and stunning berry displays with minimal maintenance requirements.