How big does Willowleaf cotoneaster grow?

About 40 cm × 2 m after ten years (height × width).

What soil does Willowleaf cotoneaster grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, acidic.

Is Willowleaf cotoneaster hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). In the colder parts of the country (Podlaskie Voivodeship) it may not survive winter without protection.

Is Willowleaf cotoneaster toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How much water does Willowleaf cotoneaster need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Willowleaf cotoneaster

Cotoneaster salicifolius

Willowleaf cotoneaster (Cotoneaster salicifolius) is a ground cover plant that reaches 40 cm × 2 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about PLN 23.

Illustration of Willowleaf cotoneaster — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Nurseries mostly sell its low, prostrate cultivars ('Parkteppich', 'Repens', 'Gnom'): these weave a carpet 20 to 50 cm high and up to two metres wide with narrow, willow-like glossy dark green leaves, white flowers in early summer and long-lasting red berries from autumn. It suits banks, wall tops and covering larger areas; in cold winters the foliage turns purplish and may partly drop in hard frost. The species itself is a very different size, a large shrub 2 to 4 metres tall with arching branches, so always check the cultivar name before buying.

Watch out for

Among cotoneasters it is particularly susceptible to fire blight (Erwinia amylovora): shoots that turn brown and hook over must be cut back hard, and it should not be planted near apple, pear or quince. Scale insects, spider mites and aphids can also damage it. In the hardest Central European winters the foliage may scorch or drop, and it reshoots in spring. Birds spread the berries and garden escapes have been recorded, so keep it away from semi-natural land.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 40 cm × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

All details

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	40 cm × 2 m
Ultimate size	20–90 cm × 1.5–2.5 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	May–June, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	70 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about PLN 23

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. PLN 23

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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Ground cover plants Evergreen plants Plants with autumn colour

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