Willowleaf Cotoneaster (C. salicifolius)
Also known as: Willow-Leaved Cotoneaster · Cotoneaster salicifolius
What's special about Willowleaf Cotoneaster (C. salicifolius)
Evergreen with narrow willow-like leaves and bright red berries.
Growing this variety
Willowleaf Cotoneaster (C. salicifolius) follows the same growing basics as Cotoneaster. Variety-specific maturity above; everything else below applies to the whole Cotoneaster family.
Germination
Spacing & depth
How to plant
Clean pulp from ripe berries, cold-stratify seed 90–180 days, then sow shallow in pots. Transplant to well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
Pre-sow treatment
Cold stratify 90–180 days at 34–41°F; sow fresh cleaned seed in fall for natural stratification.
Grower's tip
Many species are excellent for wildlife, erosion control, and hedging. Berries are not for human consumption.
Woody plant facts
Soil preferences
Free-draining garden soil. Most shrubs fail from wet feet, not poor fertility.
5.5–7.0 for most; acid-lovers (rhododendron, blueberry) want 4.5–5.5.
Mulch a wide ring with compost or bark each spring; keep mulch off the stems.
Watering
Deep soak weekly for the first two seasons, then only in drought.
Slow soak over the root zone, not the crown.
Overwatered: yellowing leaves, dieback, sour soil. Underwatered: leaf scorch, early leaf drop, sparse bloom.
Prefers top-watering — Trees are always top-watered — deep slow soak at the drip line, never at the trunk. Bottom-watering only makes sense for nursery seedlings.
Temperature tolerance
Broad — hardy shrubs handle 35–90°F once established
Down to the species' rated zone minimum
Hardy once established; first-winter seedlings need a mulch collar or cold frame.
Special germination requirements
Most temperate tree seed needs cold stratification (30–120+ days at 34–41°F) — see each species entry for the exact time.
Container growing
Possible with the right cultivar
10–20 gal (38–76 L) for a long-term potted shrub
Dwarf and compact forms do fine in large pots; full-size shrubs eventually need the ground.
Detailed harvesting
Prune rather than harvest — take out dead, damaged and crossing stems, and cut spring bloomers right after flowering so you don't remove next year's buds.
Post-harvest storage & preservation
Not applicable — this is a permanent planting.
Culinary, medicinal & other uses
Structure, hedging, screening, wildlife cover and season-long flower or berry interest.
Medicinal or traditional uses are shared for interest only — this is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before using any plant medicinally.
Seed saving
Mostly insect-pollinated; seedlings vary from the parent.
Not practical. Named cultivars must be grown from cuttings, not seed.
Collect ripe seed or clean berries in fall, then cold-stratify before spring sowing.
Your zone's planting calendar
Pick your USDA hardiness zone and we'll estimate the key dates for cotoneaster in your area. These are regional averages — always check your own last-frost forecast before sowing.
My Willowleaf Cotoneaster (C. salicifolius) Cotoneaster notes
Willowleaf Cotoneaster (C. salicifolius) Cotoneaster seeds on hand
Track packets and loose seeds you already have. Private to your account.
Par level — leave at 0 for no alert. Anything below par shows on Seed Starting and your shopping list.
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Other Cotoneaster varieties
Peking Cotoneaster (C. acutifolius)
N/AUpright deciduous shrub with pink flowers and black berries.
Hedge Cotoneaster (C. acutifolius var. lucidus)
N/AGlossy-leaved form commonly used for hedges and screens.
Hollyberry Cotoneaster (C. bullatus)
N/ALarge leaves with prominent veins and bright red berries.
Late Cotoneaster (C. coriaceus)
N/AEvergreen to semi-evergreen species with white flowers and red fruit.
Diel's Cotoneaster (C. dielsianus)
N/AArching shrub with small leaves and abundant red berries.
Spreading Cotoneaster (C. divaricatus)
N/ALow spreading shrub with pink flowers and red fruit; good for banks.
Franchet Cotoneaster (C. franchetii)
N/AGraceful arching shrub with orange-red berries and gray-green leaves.
Rock Cotoneaster (C. horizontalis)
N/AProstrate species with herringbone branches; classic for walls and rock gardens.
Black Cotoneaster (C. melanocarpus)
N/ACompact shrub with dark purple-black berries and good fall color.
Many-flowered Cotoneaster (C. multiflorus)
N/AVigorous shrub with profuse white spring flowers and red fruit.
Himalayan Cotoneaster (C. simonsii)
N/AUpright shrub with pink-tinged flowers and red berries; good for hedging.