Cotoneaster lacteus (Parnassus Cotoneaster) – A Shrub with Elegant Flowers, Glossy Red Berries, and Year-Round Interest
Cotoneaster lacteus, commonly known as Parnassus Cotoneaster, is an attractive evergreen shrub that provides year-round interest with its glossy, dark green foliage, fragrant white flowers, and vibrant red berries. This medium-sized shrub reaches a height of 1.5–2.5 meters (5–8 feet) and has a spreading habit, making it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, or as a specimen plant. In late spring, the shrub produces small, star-like white flowers, followed by clusters of bright red berries that persist into winter, attracting birds and adding seasonal charm. Cotoneaster lacteus thrives in a variety of conditions and requires minimal maintenance, making it a versatile and reliable addition to any garden.
Why Grow Cotoneaster lacteus (Parnassus Cotoneaster)?
Glossy Evergreen Foliage – The dark green, leathery leaves provide year-round colour and structure in the garden, offering an attractive backdrop to other plants.
Fragrant White Flowers – In late spring, clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers emerge, releasing a pleasant fragrance that attracts pollinators, including bees.
Bright Red Berries – After flowering, bright red berries develop, lasting into winter and providing food for birds, making this shrub a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
Hardy & Low-Maintenance – Cotoneaster lacteus is a hardy, evergreen shrub that is easy to grow and requires little care, perfect for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, year-round shrub.
Compact & Versatile – Reaching a height of 1.5–2.5 meters (5–8 feet), it is ideal for hedges, screening, or as a specimen shrub in a border or foundation planting.
Planting & Care Guide
Position – Prefers full sun to partial shade. It is well-suited for sunny borders, hedges, or as a specimen shrub in any garden setting.
Soil – Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. This shrub is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
Watering – Water regularly during dry spells, particularly when the shrub is establishing its roots. Once established, Cotoneaster lacteus is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Maintenance:
-
Pruning – Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged growth and maintain its shape. Pruning is also an opportunity to control its spread, as it can grow quite wide.
-
Mulching – Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
-
Fertilizing – Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and support flowering and berry production.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Cotoneaster lacteus pairs beautifully with other evergreen shrubs like Boxwood, Yew, or Privet, which complement its dense foliage. For a mixed border, combine with flowering perennials such as Lavender, Salvia, or Echinacea for a delightful contrast of textures and colours. Its glossy red berries also provide a striking contrast when planted alongside deciduous shrubs that change colour in autumn, like Spiraea or Berberis. This shrub’s evergreen nature, fragrant flowers, and berry display make it an excellent choice for creating year-round interest in your garden
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
