Cotoneaster 'Scarlet Leader' (Scarlet Leader Cotoneaster)

Cotoneaster salicifolius 'Scarlet Leader', commonly known as Scarlet Leader Cotoneaster, is a versatile and attractive ground cover plant prized for its dense, spreading habit and vibrant foliage. Here's an overview of this delightful cultivar:

• Dense Ground Cover: 'Scarlet Leader' forms a dense mat of foliage, making it an excellent choice for ground cover in various landscape settings. It quickly spreads to fill in empty spaces, providing effective weed suppression and erosion control. Plant 5 feet apart on center using Daddy Petes Planting Mix and Expoma Bio-Tone Starter Plus plant food.

• Vibrant Foliage: One of the most striking features of 'Scarlet Leader' is its vibrant foliage. The glossy, dark green leaves create a lush carpet of color throughout the growing season, serving as an attractive backdrop for the landscape.

• Seasonal Interest: In spring, 'Scarlet Leader' bursts into bloom with delicate clusters of small, white flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following the flowers, bright red berries develop in late summer to fall, adding a splash of color and providing food for birds.

• Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Scarlet Leader' is remarkably drought tolerant, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance landscapes and water-wise gardening. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a variety of soil types, including poor and rocky soils.

• Versatile Use: Whether used as a ground cover beneath trees and shrubs, along slopes or embankments, or as a filler in flower beds and borders, 'Scarlet Leader' adds beauty and functionality to any landscape design. It can also be planted in containers or hanging baskets for a cascading effect.

• Easy Care: With its low-maintenance nature and resilience to pests and diseases, 'Scarlet Leader' is a hassle-free plant that requires minimal upkeep. Occasional pruning to shape and control growth may be necessary, but otherwise, it thrives with little intervention.

• Attractive to Wildlife: The berries produced by 'Scarlet Leader' are a valuable food source for birds, adding ecological value to the garden and attracting wildlife. Additionally, the dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for small animals and birds.

• Winter Interest: Even in winter, 'Scarlet Leader' retains its appeal, with evergreen foliage that adds texture and color to the winter landscape. The persistent berries also provide visual interest and a pop of color against the backdrop of snow.

Whether used to cover large expanses of ground or to add visual interest to smaller garden spaces, Cotoneaster 'Scarlet Leader' is a versatile and beautiful ground cover plant that enhances the beauty and functionality of any landscape. With its vibrant foliage, seasonal blooms, and wildlife-friendly berries, it is sure to be a standout feature in gardens of all sizes.