How to Care for a Cotoneaster buxifolius

Plant cotoneaster in full or partial sun. The plant thrives in sandy, rocky, or average well-draining soil. Cotoneaster is often used in mass plantings on slopes or other inhospitable areas where other plants do not grow well.

Add a 2-inch layer of mulch after you plant cotoneaster to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Once the plant fills in, it will form a tight mass of branches that weeds will not easily penetrate.

Water Cotoneaster buxifolius regularly the first season so it gets about an inch of water per week. After that, the plant will be completely self-sufficient. Because of its drought tolerance, it is ideal for xeric landscapes.

Prune Cotoneaster buxifolius back to the desired size if it gets too wide and outgrows its designated space. It will spread indefinitely over time, because the ends of branches root when they touch soil. Pull out the new growth at the edges, and cut the stem as long as necessary to remove branches that have rooted in the ground. This can be done any time of year.

Monitor the plant for lace bug damage, which will appear as stippling or bleaching of the foliage. Beneficial insects or systemic insecticides may help. Cotoneaster buxifolius is said to be resistant to the hawthorn lace bug, but caution is advised.