Cotoneaster apiculatus 'Tom Thumb' - Tom Thumb Cotoneaster

A very popular low growing groundcover, with a mounded spreading habit of growth; dense, tightly held branches; light pink flowers in spring along the branches, followed by striking red fruit in fall, one of the overall best groundcovers

Height: 12 inches. Spread: 3 feet. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: 5a.

Ornamental features

Tom Thumb Cotoneaster is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. It features an abundance of magnificent red berries from late summer to late fall. It features tiny clusters of pink flowers along the branches in late spring. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The tiny glossy round leaves turn an outstanding brick red in the fall.

Landscape

Tom Thumb Cotoneaster is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Mass Planting, General Garden Use, Groundcover.

Planting and growing

Tom Thumb Cotoneaster will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. 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.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.