Bearberry cotoneaster and Willowleaf cotoneaster are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Cotoneaster dammeri 30 cm × 2 m after 10 years
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…
Cotoneaster salicifolius 40 cm × 2 m after 10 years
Nurseries mostly sell its low, prostrate cultivars ('Parkteppich', 'Repens', 'Gnom'): these weave a carpet 20 to 50 cm high and up to two metres…
Willowleaf cotoneaster grows larger: 40 cm × 2 m after ten years, against 30 cm × 2 m for Bearberry cotoneaster.
Bearberry cotoneaster is hardier: down to -29 °C, against -23 °C for Willowleaf cotoneaster.
Willowleaf cotoneaster is cheaper: about HUF 1,800 at the size usually planted, against about HUF 3,000 for Bearberry cotoneaster.
|
Feature
|
Bearberry cotoneaster
|
Willowleaf cotoneaster
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Ground cover |
| Size after 10 years | 30 cm × 2 m | 40 cm × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 20–45 cm × 1.2–2.5 m | 20–90 cm × 1.5–2.5 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | May–June, white | May–June, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 60 cm | 70 cm |
| For dogs | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Mildly toxic | Mildly toxic |
| Typical price | approx. HUF 3,000 | approx. HUF 1,800 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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