Evergreen makes the garden design world go around. This time of the year anyway. How dreadfully brownish (unless it’s pristine white of course) the world would be otherwise. Not that I mind brown, but no need to overdose on it. Plant of the week – Cotoneaster dammeri perks you up. Looks healthy and sort of cute with the tiny, glossy leaves. And even in December there’s a dash or two of red berries.
Plant of the week – Cotoneaster dammeri
This is a hardy plant, surviving winters even in northern Europe (most areas, not all). It originates from central and southern China and there grows wild in mountainous areas at high altitude. It’s done well adjusting itself to about 10 metres above sea leavel where I am. It likes sun or partial shade and dislikes wind.
In spring/early summer it has pretty white or pink blooms and in autumn the red berries will send vibes of forthcoming Xmas down your spine. It tolerates most soils as long it’s well-drained. Being a very ornamental plant there are various ways to use it for garden design purposes.
As gorgeously evergreen and a rather fast grower it’s fabulous as ground cover. As long as it stays healthy and alive, there will be no laborious weeding. It’s great for slopes and edges (seen here). Or why not in a planter? As a grafted plant, it takes on a new dimension.
