Cotoneasters are used ornamentally in shrub borders or as hedges and come in a range of forms and varieties, from deciduous to evergreen and from large shrubs to dwarf plants.
Cotoneaster horizontalis has excellent late colour, and is also popular for the characteristic herringbone pattern of its stems, which develop into a decorative basketwork across the ground or on a wall, according to how it is trained. While it makes an excellent garden plant, Cotoneaster horizontalis is listed as an invasive, non-native species on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act in England and Wales, meaning it is an offense to plant or otherwise cause to grow these species in the wild.
You should stop them spreading from your garden and avoid purchasing or accepting gifts of these species. Where it is grown, we would encourage you to dispose of prunings carefully within your garden rather than putting them in your green bin.
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Cotoneaster ‘Horizontalis’ and wildlife
Cotoneaster ‘Horizontalis’ is known for attracting bees, birds and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.
