Autumn Inferno® Cotoneaster

This woody evergreen shrub transforms with the seasons with smooth bark, unusual foliage, and fruits. Light green, glossy foliage highlights small, pink blooms in the spring. In summer, the foliage will turn dark green, and bright red berries will appear through the fall. The pink flowers and red berries attract butterflies and songbirds that will liven your landscape with delightful colors and melodies. In the fall, dont miss the turning of the leaves to rich auburn tones. Incredibly unique, this cotoneaster maintains an upright, arching, and compact form, ideal for formal and informal hedges. Hardy in zones 5 through 7, Autumn Inferno® Cotoneaster is drought tolerant and highly resistant to diseases such as leaf scorch, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. In addition, it is incredibly adaptable and can be planted in almost any season in any soil type. Its uniqueness, versatility, and low-maintenance character make it ideal for growing in mass quantities, planting near water sources, planting under power lines, or growing as an understory planting. Autumn Inferno® Cotoneaster Care Plant this evergreen shrub in spring, summer, or fall in an area that receives full sun and contains moist but well-draining soil. The shrub can tolerate partial shade if your landscape has fewer full-sun areas available. This plant is not picky about soil pH and can adapt to almost any alkalinity or acidity. Water deeply during the first few weeks to establish a deep and healthy root system; after being fully established, its drought-tolerant nature allows for watering only during extended drought periods or scorching weather. Feed this shrub with a balanced ratio of N-P-K (10-10-10) fertilizer or one optimized for conifers. Protect your plant's roots with a 3-inch thick layer of mulch, avoiding the base of the trunk. The shrub is notoriously easy to prune, perfect for beginners and master gardeners alike! Due to its evergreen nature, this shrub prefers pruning in the spring. Little pruning should be required, except for stylization and removal of dead, damaged, or crossing branches at the next healthy node. Consistent pruning is necessary to shape this beauty into a formalized hedge. Autumn Inferno® Cotoneaster Spacing With a height of 5 to 6 feet and a spread of 4 to 5 feet, space your plantings 4 to 5 feet apart.