Against the Odds: Cotoneaster horizontalis

Picture of a Cotoneaster seedling growing in the tiny crack between 2 paving stones

We have several Cotoneaster horizontalis plants in the garden and just like the Unexpected Honeysuckle I wrote about for December's Blooms Day, I've never planted any of them.

Cotoneaster has had a bit of a bad press because it features in many a public planting scheme. It's tough as old boots and as you can see thrives almost anywhere. I suspect the pictured plant and the others at VP Gardens were brought to us by passing birds, possibly from the roundabout in the middle of the estate.

Another plausible explanation for the origin of the pictured plant is it's a seedling from the one which magically appeared in the large planter by the front door. Despite its proximity to our boots when we arrive home, it's definitely surviving against the odds.

I think the photo reminds us of its virtues. It has glossy green leaves and an attractive habit. In the spring it bears a profusion of creamy flowers which the local honeybees love, followed by bright red berries which the birds fight over in autumn. Its survival strategy is sound.

Whilst last week's Cotoneaster was a different species, the emergence of this week's example from the tiniest of cracks hints at how little space is needed for just three plants to thrive and grow to clothe a house.

Update:

Spade and Dagger has commented about this Cotoneaster being placed on the invasive species list along with the likes of Buddleja.

Here's what Plantlife's website has to say on the subject and this is the GB Non-Native Secretariat's ID sheet which confirms its listing under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, England & Wales.

This means it's an offence to plant or cause the plant to grow in the wild, though it looks like it might be OK to plant it in your garden. How the law stands if it escapes from there is unclear - does this count as causing the plant to grow in the wild? It might be best not to plant it, to be on the safe side - my investigation of this issue continues...

Comments

  1. Marigold Jam6 March 2015 at 08:52

    Inspirational aren't they? When I see a plants thriving in such inhospitable places it makes me feel humble that I might complain about this or that! I see on your side bar that you are looking forward to seeing your first daffodils in bloom - come on across to Somerset some time soon we are awash with them here!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. VP6 March 2015 at 08:54

    Indeed Marigold Jam. For some reason my neighbours all have daffodils out, but mine are still tightly in bud :/

    ReplyDelete
  3. CJ6 March 2015 at 09:39

    Quite incredible, and you're right, the glossy green leaves are lovely. CJ xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP6 March 2015 at 09:45

      Thanks CJ, have a great weekend :-)

      Delete
  4. Sue Garrett6 March 2015 at 10:13

    The will to survive is stromg.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Pauline6 March 2015 at 11:35

    We too have them popping up all over the garden, thanks to the birds eating the berries.Some are left in, some potted up and given away, others find their way to the compost heap!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP6 March 2015 at 12:09

      It's a similar story here too Pauline, though I was a bit too indulgent with one specimen and it threatened to take over on of my central beds. There's about 10 plants in that same spot now!

      Delete
  6. Spade and Dagger6 March 2015 at 16:06

    Hasn't Cotoneaster been declared an invasive alien species along with Buddleia, and even been blamed for taking bees away from native species. I suppose you can see why, but both are really useful plants for those difficult to grow areas and in highly urban areas they are often the only source of flowers for bees.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP6 March 2015 at 20:50

      Good point - I've updated the blog post.

      Delete
    2. Juliet21 March 2015 at 20:56

      Eeep! - we have a large Cotoneaster tree in new garden, which means hundreds of little Cotoneaster babies. I love the tree but do hope the babies aren't too difficult to dig out if they're that invasive.

      Delete

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