Cotoneaster horizontalis is a shrub of the Rosaceae family from eastern Asia, characterised by its spreading, ground covering habit, which makes it perfect for covering soil and walls.

Characteristics
The branches grow in a distinctive flat herringbone pattern, carrying small deciduous leaves that turn brilliant red in autumn. Pink tinged white flowers open in spring and are followed by abundant red berries that last well into winter and attract birds.

Growing and care
Easy to grow and needing little care, it adapts to most soils provided they are well drained and prefers sun or semi shade. Water regularly, especially in dry spells, while it establishes, and prune to keep it tidy and limit excessive spread.

Uses
Particularly loved for its showy spring flowering, it is used to clothe low walls, steps and slopes, as ground cover, in mixed borders and trained flat against a wall.