How to grow a horizontal cotoneaster in a summer cottage
There are a huge number of horticultural crops to create stylish landscaping. The most popular is the horizontal cotoneaster – a lush, unpretentious bush. It perfectly tolerates the winter cold and does not lose its attractiveness in the summer heat. With its help, designers create original compositions that resemble the Garden of Eden..
What is this cute plant? Are there rules for its cultivation and care? What should be considered when decorating landscaping with an original culture? Find out the answers to these questions.
Lush greenery for a cozy corner
The horizontal cotoneaster belongs to the Pink family. It is a compact shrub with evergreen foliage that adorns it all year round. The height of the plant is about 0.7 m, and the width is about 2 m. In the wild, the cotoneaster is found in China. However, through the efforts of breeders, decorative options were created..
For landscape design, such varieties are most often used.:
- Variegatus (height about 30 cm, in temperate latitudes it is evergreen, and in northern latitudes it is deciduous);
- Dammera (differs in slow growth, but has fleshy foliage);
- Shiny cotoneaster (plates with a rich silver tint).
The main feature of culture is branches. They grow horizontally in relation to the trunk, hanging gracefully above the soil. Thanks to this, the plant is used to cover unsightly places on the site. In shape, the shoots resemble the spine or tail of a sea fish. Symmetrically located small branches branch off from the main branch. 
They are covered with sheet plates, the diameter of which reaches 1.5 cm. The outer side has a glossy shiny coating. With the onset of autumn, the foliage of the horizontal cotoneaster changes its original color. It comes in a red or crimson hue..
In early May, the plant puts on an outfit of small buds of light pink color. It does not “remove” it for about 21 days. After that, among the lush greenery, inedible fruits are formed without a pronounced taste..
The plant is considered unpretentious. It takes root wonderfully in both southern and northern parts of Europe..
Horizontal cotoneaster: growing scheme on the site
Before creating a cozy oasis of pleasure on the territory of a country house, experienced summer residents acquire suitable types of culture.
In doing so, they pay attention to a number of factors that indicate the quality of the seedlings.:
- juicy and flexible shoots;
- foliage intact by pests;
- the rhizome is in a container with a moistened substrate.
They are purchased in nurseries or specialized retail outlets. For original landscape design, varieties with different shades of foliage and branch shapes are chosen. After that, graceful shrubs are planted on the territory of a country house..
Ideal “place in the sun”
The plant loves spacious places where there is an abundance of sunlight. As a last resort, light partial shade will do. However, under such conditions, the leaves lose their rich color and fleshiness. Ideal – a small mound in an open area.
In addition, the shrub prefers a nutrient substrate consisting of such components.:
- sod land;
- peat;
- sand.
If necessary, they are brought into the ground when preparing the site for planting. First, debris and weeds are removed from the site. Then carefully loosen and prepare the funnel. It must match the size of the seedling rhizome or container..
The distance between crops is at least 2 m, otherwise they will lose their decorative effect.
Algorithm for planting a horizontal cotoneaster
A drainage layer is placed at the bottom of the pit, about 15-20 cm high.One of the materials is usually used:
- crushed stone;
- gravel;
- broken brick.
A little prepared substrate is poured on top. Then the seedling, the roots of which are in the container, are carefully removed from it and transferred to the pit. At the same time, an earthen lump is preserved. A shrub with an open rhizome, lowered and covered with soil so that the neck is at ground level. The upper part of the funnel is compacted and then watered abundantly. Cover with mulch if necessary.
Beauty for decades without effort
Planting a creeping cotoneaster and caring for it does not require special skills. Therefore, he has already won many hearts. Its unpretentiousness and beauty attracts busy people. After all, the care process consists of only four procedures..
Watering and loosening the soil
Since the plant tolerates drought wonderfully, it is moistened 1-2 times a month. Only at an abnormally high temperature, the number of procedures is increased. For one adult cotoneaster, 5-7 buckets of clean water are enough.
It is advisable to heat the water naturally, leaving it in an open area. After a few hours, it reaches the optimal temperature..
The next day after moistening, the near-stem area is gently loosened to a depth of about 10-15 cm. Weeds are removed in parallel. If desired, sprinkle the soil with sawdust or chopped hay. The procedure will help to retain moisture during dry periods..
Fertilizers and a stylish cotoneaster haircut
If a shrub is planted in fertile land, it does not need top dressing for several years. Poor soil is regularly fertilized. The first procedure is carried out in the spring, when the soil warms up well. First, urea is added, according to the instructions provided. Around the end of April, the cotoneaster is fed with substances that contain superphosphate. Thanks to this, the plant acquires a lush spreading “crown”.
Due to its rapid development and growth, the plant needs regular pruning. In the spring, when it is still dormant, dry and damaged branches are removed. To give the necessary shape, cut off the shoots that spoil the appearance of the crown. If desired, the bushes “transform” into various figures.
In places where winters are especially harsh, it is advisable to arrange additional shelter for the cotoneaster from spruce branches, mulch or fallen leaves.
Creating a majestic landscape
The use of a horizontal cotoneaster in landscape design is considered a rewarding business..
An unpretentious plant fits wonderfully into the backyard territory of a country house:
- it is planted as a hedge;
- for zoning the site;
- cotoneaster effectively decorate lawns;
- placed along curbs and alleys;
- create compositions with blooming crops;
- grown in the company of juniper, barberry, thuja, as well as cereals.
In addition, the cotoneaster cotoneaster is considered a highlight in rockeries and alpine slides. Its lush branches hide stones, equipping cozy resting places. In addition, rich greens relieve stress and bring peace..
Careful consideration of the horizontal planting of the cotoneaster and its care indicates the simplicity of the procedure. Popular varieties of culture allow you to create stylish compositions at their summer cottage. The planting process begins with the preparation of the pit and substrate. Then the seedling is carefully laid, covered with earth and watered. Care consists of only a few simple procedures: watering, feeding, pruning and loosening the soil.
