COTONEASTER salicifolius

Extraordinary species of Cotoneaster, vigorous perennial shrub, evergreen, with slow growth and Chinese origins: when fully developed it can exceed 2 meters in height and a little less in width. Lignified and well branched from the base, it has numerous stems at first erect and then harmoniously arched at the top, on which lanceolate leaves of a nice dark green on the upper side and a silvery-white on the lower side are alternately applied. From late spring the whole plant is copiously covered with hemispherical inflorescences composed of minute white-pink 5-petalled flowers: they are followed in autumn, and persist for the whole following winter, by abundant clusters of small spherical red-orange fruits, precious winter food for birds and animals in general.

It suitable to any type of soil, although it prefers fresh and deep ones, as long as they are perfectly drained and want a sunny or only partially shady position. Tolerant of winters characterized by intense and long-lasting cold, it responds less well to both the presence of salt and prolonged drought. From the end of winter it is possible to intervene by removing dry, damaged or bulky parts as well as shortening the various branches by a third to induce a more compact shape of the plant. Ideal in the open ground as a single specimen as a large bush as well as in sequence to create thick and rustic hedges, both formal and informal, it also lends itself to cultivation on terraces, balconies and hanging gardens in general, where however it will require large containers for smooth development.