The weeping cotoneaster tree is a combination of Cotoneaster Apiculata grafted onto a root stock standard. Usually the root stock that is used is either Paul’s Scarlet Hawthorne or Washington Hawthorn.
In it’s natural state Cotoneaster Apiculata usually only grows about 18″ to 36″ high and is kind of unruly. It really should be pruned to keep it a bit under control. It can be really pretty in the spring when covered with tiny pink blooms and then again in the fall when it is loaded with red berries.
In it’s natural state I’m not a big fan because it tends to trap a lot of leaves and other debris that might be blowing around.
But when grafted onto a standard like this it is really pretty and interesting. A great conversation piece for just about any landscape.
Cotoneaster Apiculata is hardy in zones 4 through 7.
It blooms in May or June. I’d say May in most states.
If you listen carefully you can hear me kicking myself for not getting photos this spring when this tree was covered with those tiny pink blooms. Now I have to wait until spring, I’ll update this page then.
To create a tree like this you must first either grow from seed or buy a seedling of the Hawthorn variety that you choose, grow that seedling to a height of about six feet, then bud or graft the Cotoneaster Apiculata on to the tall tree seedling.
When plants are created like this the industry term is “grown on a standard”.
You can Learn About Budding Here.
You can Learn About Grafting Here.
Questions, comments, mean things to say? Post them below and I will respond.
Mine is half dead… I’ve had it for about 5 years.. it was always great. I live very close to you (so weather is yours)… Any idea what may have happened?
Kim,
Probably fire blight. Does the dead part look really red in color? That’s fire blight. You can cut out the dead but it usually doesn’t help save the plant.
The quaint weeping cotoneaster seems to have died and now I am stuck with something that is growing up and out and doesn’t seem to have any redeeming qualities.
Julie,
What you have left is probably either Washington Hawethorne or Paul’s Scarlet Hawthorne. They can be pretty, if it were mine I’d pull it out while it’s small enough to manage. Hawethornes have really sharp and long thorns.
I just purchased one at a flea market in eastern Ohio and my question is, how tall will it get and how big can I expect the canopy to get? It’s about the size of the one in your photo currently.
David,
It’s not going to grow taller. The head will get at least 30″ wide. Keep it trimmed so it has a nice shape.
Is Cotoneaster Apiculata easy to propagate? I already have a cotoneaster (not sure exactly which variety). that’s in the ground (like a shrub). How long does it take to grow a Hawthorn to 6 feet high from seed? Are seeds easy to come by?
The cotoneaster is easy to root. Finding seeds for a hawthorne? I’m sure you can find them online. It would take a few years but worth it if you do a bunch of them.
Hi Mike This is Judy Brame in Richmond,Virginia. I love reading your emails and seeing your donkeys.This tree in this email is beautiful. I wish that I could sell plants but i’m not in a place that I could. I follow you about every day I can. Thanks for ending me your emails.
Judith,
You’re welcome. And if you got just a bit creative you might be able to sell a few plants, or even grow just a handful to give away. It’s very therapeutic.
Are they deer proof – -both when flowering and the fall berry season.
Steve,
I really don’t know.
WILL IT DO GOOD IN ZONE 8 AND WHO IS SELLING IT????
Gill,
It should so fine in zone 8, but finding one will be a bit tricky, ask your local garden centers.
Can this be grown in a pot?! So cute!
Probably. But I really like to see plants in the ground. They are so much happier.
Is there any nurseries that would have a tree like this? I’m in northern Illinois. I’m not a very experienced gardener & this seems daunting to me. I would even settle for the shrub. Haven’t seen any in my area.
Monica,
In your area there should be a few nurseries that could at least get you one. The shrub would be far easier to find.
Can I purchase a weeping cotoneaster tree ,ready to grow?
Paul,
You can but they are tricky to find. I’ll probably have about 10 available for pick up only in Perry, Ohio in the spring.