(Cotoneaster horizontalis) Perennial. Zone 5. Native range—China & Taiwan. Rosaceae (Rose) Family. An ideal choice to add year round interest to a garden slope or rock wall. Great at mitigating erosion. Tiny pink-white blooms in the Spring, lead to a spray of red berries in the Fall. Glossy green leaves turn redish in Fall. Berries are a great food source for local birds.
Rock Cotoneaster, also known as Wall Cotoneaster or Rockspray Cotoneaster, once plants are established, they are quite drought tolerant. Can tolerate a variety of soils, but dislikes being water logged. Plants only grow 2-3 feet tall, but spread 6-10 feet wide. Dislikes very hot Summers, may struggle in zones hotter that 7. Its ideal range is within zone 5-7. May prune shape as desired.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
For best results, sow seeds outdoors in the Fall, mulch beds (remove mulch once seeds germinate in Spring). If starting indoors…
SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seeds for 24 hours, start with boiling water. Then, mix seeds with moistened soil 4x seed volume. Place in a plastic bag or container.
STRATIFICATION:90 days cold/moist (5°C). Place plastic bag with seeds and soil in your refrigerator, preferably in a veggie crisper. Inspect periodically for even moisture.
POST-STRATIFICATION: Sow stratified seeds 3/8” deep. Alternating soil temperatures during the day (warmer than 20 °C) and night (cooler than 20°C) can help germination. Water evenly.
GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 30 days.
Stratifying Seeds Naturally Outdoors in the Fall
How to Stratify Tree Seeds Indoors
——————————
Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi’kma’ki / Nova Scotia.
