Pot Grown Late Cotoneaster
(Cotoneaster lacteus)

We've dedicated time and care into growing your pot grown plant, so it arrives looking stunningly new and healthy.

The Late Cotoneaster is a pretty hedge that boasts delicate white flowers at the beginning of summer, which are then followed with bright-red berries in the Winter. The Lacteus is more than likely to welcome wildlife to your garden, as birds, butterflies and bees love the berries and flowers as much as we do.

Many people compare the Late Cotoneaster to the Cotoneaster Franchetii, however, the key difference between the two is that the Cotoneaster Lacteus has long arching branches and tend to trail downwards- this means they usually have to be supported by a fence or wall. In terms of hedging, you can make this plant look great if you prune it into a neat form with a neat form of draping stems, or you can even leave it to grow more informally and let it climb its way up walls and fences.

Cotoneaster Lacteus hedges will thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions, and will prefer to be placed in normal, well-drained soil. That being said, it can easily tolerate poor soil, and is suitable for coastal situations.

• Growth height: Average (20-40cm per year)
• Ideal height: 2.5m+ Tall
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Coastal, Exposed, Inland
• Aspect: Semi-shade, Sun
• Evergreen foliage? Yes

As it is pot grown, you can easily leave the plant in its pot for a few days/weeks before planting it. Just ensure you keep the plant well-watered, and it gets enough sun. Don't leave it for too long, however, as you don't want the roots becoming root bound.

You should trim your Late Cotoneaster twice a year- once at the beginning of June, and then again near the end of September. You must prune at the correct times (stated here), otherwise you may end up removing new shoots that are trying to grow. Once you have pruned, we also recommend feeding or mulching the plant.

1. Prepare the soil by mixing in some compost. Dig the hole- this will have to be about twice the width of the root system, but the same depth.
2. Remove the plant from its pot by placing one hand on the base of the plant, and the other at the bottom of the pot. Wriggle the pot away gently.
3. Untangle the roots a little as they may be clumped together.
4. Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the base of the stem is level with the surface of the soil. Follow this with backfilling the hole with your soil mix, and patting down lightly to secure.
5. When you're done, thoroughly water the plant. Ensure you regularly water throughout its first year, as the plant needs plenty to be able to settle down, recover, and establish.