Cotoneaster Cochleatus or Kashmir Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster Cochleatus is an evergreen low growing shrub with a spreading habit. It produces white flowers and red autumn berries. It suits low-maintenance spaces and wildlife-friendly borders.

Cotoneaster Cochleatus is native to Kashmir in India and is a shrub of many names which include Kashmir Cotoneaster, Cotoneaster Cashmiriensis, and Cotoneaster Microphyllus Cochleatus. No matter what you choose to call it, this evergreen shrub is a must for slopes and low-maintenance spaces. It’s small and prostrate with 1 cm long dark glossy leaves that protect soil and provide cover for wildlife.

In spring, delicate pink buds open to bright white flowers that attract pollinators. Flowers last for months before maturing into small bright red berries in autumn which the shrub is best known for. 

A tough evergreen shrub with lots to offer, Cotoneaster is an underrated top garden performer.

Height And Spread of Cotoneaster Cochleatus
This is a low-growing, creeping shrub that will reach a height of 30 cms and spread over 2 metres after 10-20 years.

How Hardy Is Cotoneaster Cochleatus
This is a tough and adaptable plant that can grow in the majority of well-drained situations. Once established it tolerates drought and copes admirably with sub-zero winters.

How To Use Cotoneaster Cochleatus
This tough evergreen brings winter interest and is an excellent ground cover on banks and slopes where its low-growing prostrate form protects the soil.
Use it as ground cover in low-maintenance gardens or naturalise an area in wildlife-friendly spaces.
The Kashmir Cotoneaster is a dependable shrub that flourishes in awkward conditions and provides a pretty show of flowers and berries from spring to summer.

How To Care For Cotoneaster Cochleatus
Once established, Kashmir Cotoneaster can be left to its own devices. It will grow in all well-drained soils, including rocky spots, and is not fussy about soil ph. It likes full sun to partial shade but will grow in shadier conditions with fewer flowers and berries.
There is no need to prune, but you can remove broken or crossed branches in the winter months.
Water well until established and mulch well each spring for the best fruiting displays.