This shrub to small tree has an erect trunk with arching branches that form a broad rounded crown. The lanced-shaped leaves are dark green and the clusters of white saucer-shaped flowers appear in late spring followed by bright red berries.

Hardiness zones 7 to 11

Cotoneaster salicifoliusis naturally found in western China growing in well drained fertile moist soils that have an acidic to neutral pH. It prefers an open sunny position but will tolerate some shade and is drought and frost tolerant.

Willow Leaved Cotoneaster is grown for its colourful fruit and bushy habit. It is planted along garden borders for screening or trimmed to form a hedge. It is suitable for coastal or low-mountain regions establishing in 3-4 years and is long lived. This quick growing shrub is also planted on embankments or is espaliated against a wall. Once established it requires little maintenance and some of the cultivars are excellent ground covers.ID 294

Cotoneaster (ko-tőn-ee-Ă-ster) salicifolius (să-lik-I-FO-lee-us)

'Cotoneaster': Latin cotoneus - the quince & istar - similar (these plants are similar to the quince); 'pannosus': woolly or ragged (refers to the tomentum on the underside of the leaves).