How big does Bearberry cotoneaster grow?

About 30 cm × 2 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 20–45 cm × 1.2–2.5 m.

What soil does Bearberry cotoneaster grow in?

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

Is Bearberry cotoneaster hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Bearberry cotoneaster toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How much water does Bearberry cotoneaster need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Bearberry cotoneaster cost?

It sells for roughly €3 to €4.90 in local shops, depending on size.

Bearberry cotoneaster

Cotoneaster dammeri

Bearberry cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri) is a ground cover plant that reaches 30 cm × 2 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €3.

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

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

A ground-hugging, fast-spreading evergreen shrub whose shoots root wherever they touch the soil, weaving a dense carpet within a few years. It has small white flowers in May and red berries from autumn, and the glossy leaves take on bronze tones for winter. It suits banks, the tops of retaining walls and larger areas, but give it room because it grows more than two metres wide, and fallen leaves and litter are hard to pick out of the dense branches.

Watch out for

In Central Europe the main concern is fire blight (Erwinia amylovora), a dangerous bacterial disease: shoot tips turn brown as if scorched. Cotoneasters are known hosts of the pathogen, so do not plant it near apple, pear or quince trees. In hot, dry summers spider mites and lace bugs can attack the leaves, and scale insects and aphids also occur. It can escape from gardens into nearby natural habitats and is recorded among potentially invasive species in Germany, so do not plant it next to protected natural areas.

Considered invasive in a neighbouring country

It isn't listed here, but don't plant it near natural habitats, woodland or water, and don't leave the clippings outside the garden.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 30 cm × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	30 cm × 2 m
Ultimate size	20–45 cm × 1.2–2.5 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	May–June, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	60 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €3

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
20+ cm	approx. €4
size not stated	approx. €3 – €4.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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Ground cover plants Evergreen plants Plants for containers Plants with autumn colour

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