Corokia cotoneaster

Family: Genus:

Plant type:

Biomes/Growing conditions: , , , , ,

Sun exposure: ,

USDA Hardiness zone: Zn7b 10º to 5ºF

Foliage color:

Foliage season:

Corokia cotoneaster

Why, its not a Cotoneaster at all, in fact Corokia is a wildly architectural  shrub and evolved its twisted zigzagging stems (the official term is divaricating) and tiny leaves to fend off grazing by giant Moa birds in New Zealand. The birds are now extinct and we are left with this shrub as an evolutionary natural bonsai. To 5′ tall and 3′ wide in 7 years. Average to enriched soil.  Full sun to part shade. Flowers are more profuse in sun. Regular water. Great container plant. The yellow flowers in May are often followed by red /orange berries that don’t last long. I assume the brilliant color draws birds.  Established plants accept both regular irrigation as well as summer drought. Irrigation encourages growth. Left to contend with summer drought the plant is naturally smaller. Cold hardy to 5ºF or lower for brief periods. Excellent landscape or garden plant that imparts a haze on the landscape from a distance but thrills with up close views of the zig zagging branches and tiny black shovel shaped leaves. Excellent long lived container subject and will thrive even with constricted roots. We love this shrub  for its silvery winter appearance in containers and in container combinations. Mix with Sasanqua Camellias and  Western Blue Fescue (Festuca californica) for months long entertainment. Seldom bothered by deer.

Corokia cotoneasterCorokia cotoneaster

My Favorites

More climate-adapted plants