Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster dammeri

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This vigorous, wide spreading, evergreen cotoneaster is one of the best groundcover plants. In June, it is studded with small, white flowers, followed by showy, bright red, autumn berries. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions including dry soil,  and its self-rooting tips soon spread to form a low blanket of weed-suppressing dark green foliage.
  
  
• Garden care: After flowering in late spring or early summer, lightly cut back any branches that spoil the symmetry of the plant and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant. In autumn, trim back lightly any branches that obscure the display of fruit.