Cotoneaster
![](https://priestgate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Hedge_cotoneaster_shutterstock_501549808-940x705.jpg)
Common name the same as the Latin – “cot-own-ee-aster”. A family of dozens of different types, ranging from low growing ground cover shrubs to medium sized trees. Some evergreen, and some deciduous. Some hardy, some half-hardy. As can be seen from the photo, the evergreen C. dammeri makes a good thick hedge for year round effect. A sharp set of shears, secateurs or hedge cutter blades are required, as blunt blades usually leave a stringy and unprofessional finish
![](https://priestgate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Cotoneaster_cushion_shutterstock_1843101631-940x622.jpg)
The more commonly seen ‘mound forming’ habit
![](https://priestgate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Cotoneaster_frigidus_shutterstock_2374972709-940x627.jpg)
And the larger leaves of the ‘tree’ type of Cotoneaster.
![](https://priestgate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Cotoneaster_horizontalis_leaf__flower_shutterstock_1986797240-940x706.jpg)
Typical 5 petal flower of plants belonging to the Family Rosaceae
![](https://priestgate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Cotoneaster_horizontalis_autumn_shutterstock_1593897847-940x627.jpg)
Typical autumn colour of the deciduous Cotoneasters.
![](https://priestgate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Cotoneaster_autumn_hedge_shutterstock_582770989-940x629.jpg)
And the effective use of a deciduous Cotoneaster as a feature hedge in the autumn.