Plant Library

Other Names:  Thyme Rockspray Cotoneaster

Description:

A very showy dwarf variety covered in a froth of white flowers in spring on delicately arching/spreading branches, and showy bright red fruit in fall; tiny foliage adds a fine texture, makes a stunning groundcover

Ornamental Features

Thyme Leaf Cotoneaster is smothered in stunning clusters of white flowers along the branches in mid spring, which emerge from distinctive salmon flower buds. It has bluish-green deciduous foliage. The glossy oval leaves turn yellow in fall. It produces red berries from late summer to late fall.

Landscape Attributes

Thyme Leaf Cotoneaster is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Disease

Thyme Leaf Cotoneaster is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Thyme Leaf Cotoneaster will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.