Cotoneaster divaricatus aka Divaricate Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster divaricatus is a shrub known as spreading cotoneaster. It belongs to the rose family and comes from China. Sources place its home in central and western China. It sheds its leaves each year and grows fast. Garden plants reach 5–6 feet [1.52–1.83 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 6–8 feet [1.83–2.44 metres]. Many stems form a dense, rounded crown with fine texture. Young plants stand upright before their branches spread out. Outer branches bend down and can reach the ground.

The bark stays thin and has a smooth surface. Young stems have a red-purple to brown shade. Fine hairs cover their tips, and older waxy coatings flake away. Small buds sit along the stems. The simple, oval leaves grow in an alternate pattern. Each leaf reaches about one inch long. The upper face looks dark green and glossy. The lower face looks paler, with three or four vein pairs. Sources differ on whether the leaf undersides bear fine hairs. Fall leaves turn orange, red, yellow, or purple.

Small flowers open in May and June, though UConn reports earlier bloom. Each has five petals, white with pink tones. The blooms form clusters but may hide beneath the leaves. Their large numbers matter more than each flower's size. Red, egg-shaped pomes follow and ripen from late summer into fall. They measure about a quarter to half an inch long. Each fruit holds one to three nutlets. Fruits may remain until early winter. Birds and mammals feed on them, and the shrub attracts songbirds.

Grow this shrub in sun or a partly shaded site. It prefers moist loam, but needs soil that drains well. It also grows in poor soil and other soil types. UConn reports that it accepts a range of soil pH. Established plants withstand some drought, wind, salt, and city conditions. Sources list USDA zones 4–7 and describe care as easy. Prune when needed to clear old wood or shape branches. Mulch helps keep weeds out of the dense growth. Seeds and stem cuttings provide ways to raise new plants.

Use it for hedges, screens, borders, or planting near foundations. Groups also suit slopes and banks, and plants tolerate clipping. Dense branches can trap fallen leaves and litter inside. Few major problems occur, but several pests and diseases can strike. These include fire blight, leaf spot, canker, lace bugs, and webworms. Mites can cause trouble during hot, dry weather. PFAF lists no known food or medicinal use. It reports no known hazards, which does not establish food safety. The fruit can yield a dye with pink and tan tones.