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Hesse cotoneaster

Cotoneaster 'Hessei'

Common names:
Cotoneaster, Hesse cotoneaster

Content Detail

Hesse cotoneaster is a hybrid between Cotoneaster horizontalis and Cotoneaster adpressus var. praecox. This low-growing cotoneaster was selected by The Morton Arboretum and introduced through the Chicagoland Grows™ introduction program. Hesse cotoneaster makes a wonderful ground cover, draped over a wall, or used en masse.

  • Family (English) Rose
  • Family (botanic) Rosaceae
  • Tree or plant type Ground cover, Shrub
  • Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Low-growing shrub (under 3 feet)
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Alkaline soil, Occasional drought
  • Season of interest late spring, early summer, midsummer, late summer, early fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Pink
  • Shape or form Arching, Creeping
  • Growth rate Moderate, Slow

Size and form:

It grows 1 to 2 feet high and 5 to 6 feet wide with a spreading habit.

Native geographic location and habitat:

Hesse cotoneaster is considered a hybrid between Cotoneaster horizontalis and Cotoneaster adpressus var. praecox.

Leaf description:

Small dark green, simple, alternate leaves are about 1/2 inch long. They turn reddish-purple in the fall.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size description:

It produces small, pinkish-red flowers in later spring.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

The small red fruit (pomes) persist into winter.

Plant care:

Hesse cotoneaster grows best in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil and is drought tolerant once established. Avoid planting in wet sites. It can be used as a container plant but it will require winter protection.

List of pests and diseases:

Mites, cankers, and leaf spots are possible problems.

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