Cotoneaster Microphyllus (peat Free)

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun for best flowering and berry display, but tolerates light partial shade.

• Soil Preferences: Thrives in well-drained soil—loam, sandy, or clay—though not in waterlogged conditions.

• pH Range: Adaptable to slightly acidic, neutral, and alkaline soils (pH 6.0–8.0).

• Moisture Needs: Low to moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established.

• Planting Time: Plant in spring or autumn when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild.

• Spacing: Space plants 0.8–1.2 metres apart for ground cover or low hedging.

• Positioning Tips: Ideal for rockeries, slopes, retaining walls, and low-maintenance ground cover.

• Shelter Needs: Hardy and tolerant of wind, making it suitable for exposed or coastal gardens.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in troughs or large pots for ornamental display on patios or balconies.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep well-watered during the first growing season to establish strong roots.

  • Mature plants require minimal watering, only during prolonged dry periods.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring to boost healthy growth and berry formation.

• Pruning:

  • Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.

  • Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing stems at any time of year.

  • For ground cover use, minimal pruning is needed unless spreading beyond desired boundaries.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm layer of compost or bark mulch in spring to help retain moisture and control weeds. Keep mulch away from the crown to avoid rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally robust, though occasional issues with fireblight, leaf spot, or scale insects can occur—monitor and treat promptly if needed.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy and evergreen to semi-evergreen in mild climates, retaining foliage through winter.

• Weed Control: Keep base area clear of weeds, particularly during establishment, to avoid competition for nutrients.

Ornamental Features, Seasonal Interest, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Small, glossy green leaves provide a neat and dense texture year-round; in colder weather, foliage may take on bronze or purple tints.

• Flowers: Produces masses of small white to pale pink flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting bees and other pollinators.

• Berries: Bright red berries follow the flowers, lasting into winter and providing valuable food for birds.

• Form: Low, spreading habit with arching stems; typically forms a mat-like growth that helps control erosion on slopes.

• Growth Rate and Size: Moderate growth; reaches 0.5–1 metre in height and spreads 1.5–2 metres.

• Wildlife Benefits:

  • Nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators.

  • Berries support birds in autumn and winter.

  • Dense cover offers shelter for small wildlife.

• Ornamental Value: Combines year-round greenery, summer blooms, and vibrant berries for multi-season appeal.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Ground cover to suppress weeds and reduce maintenance.

  • Rockeries and alpine gardens for a natural look.

  • Banks and slopes for erosion control.

  • Low informal hedges along paths or borders.

• Seasonal Appeal:

  • Spring: Fresh foliage and flower buds.

  • Summer: White flower clusters.

  • Autumn–Winter: Red berries and evergreen foliage.

• Longevity: Long-lived, with minimal upkeep required once established, making it a cost-effective landscaping choice.

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)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.