Cotoneaster lacteus - 60-80 CM C3

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade; sunnier positions encourage denser growth and better berry production.

• Soil Preferences: Adaptable to most soils—loam, clay, or sandy—provided they are well-drained.

• pH Range: Tolerates acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions (pH 5.5–8.0).

• Moisture Needs: Prefers moderately moist soil but is drought-tolerant once established.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn to allow roots to establish before seasonal extremes.

• Spacing: For hedging, plant 1–1.5 metres apart; as a specimen shrub, allow room for natural spread.

• Positioning Tips: Excellent for hedges, screens, windbreaks, or wildlife gardens.

• Shelter Needs: Very hardy and wind-resistant, suitable for exposed coastal or rural sites.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large containers, though it is better suited to open-ground planting for long-term health.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly for the first 1–2 years after planting.

  • Mature plants require little watering, except during prolonged droughts.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to encourage strong growth and abundant berries.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning required—cut back lightly after flowering or fruiting to maintain shape.

  • Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches at any time.

  • Can be trimmed into a formal hedge or left to grow naturally for a softer look.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm mulch layer of compost, bark, or leaf mould in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the main stems to prevent rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally healthy; occasional issues may include scale insects, fireblight, or leaf spot—monitor and treat if necessary.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy; no winter protection required.

• Weed Control: Keep the base free of weeds and grass for optimal growth and berry production.

Ornamental Features, Seasonal Interest, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Evergreen leaves are dark green above and grey-felted beneath, adding texture and year-round interest.

• Flowers: Clusters of small, creamy-white flowers in early summer attract bees and other pollinators.

• Berries: Showy red berries develop in late summer and persist into winter, providing a striking display and an important food source for birds.

• Form: Dense, bushy growth with arching branches, forming a large, rounded shrub.

• Growth Rate and Size: Moderate to fast-growing; typically reaches 3–4 metres in height and spread if left unpruned.

• Wildlife Benefits:

  • Flowers support pollinators.

  • Berries feed birds through winter.

  • Dense structure provides nesting sites and shelter.

• Ornamental Value: Combines practicality with beauty—ideal for screening and adding winter colour.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Hedging and screening for privacy.

  • Wildlife-friendly planting schemes.

  • Coastal gardens due to salt and wind tolerance.

  • Bank and slope planting for erosion control.

• Seasonal Appeal:

  • Spring: Fresh foliage growth.

  • Summer: Creamy flowers.

  • Autumn–Winter: Red berries and evergreen leaves.

• Longevity: Long-lived and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for sustainable planting schemes.

• Size
  60-80 CM C3

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.