Cotoneaster

COTONEASTER BACILLARIS.--Nepaul, 1841. A large-growing species, and one

of the few members of the family that is more ornamental in flower than

in fruit. It is of bold, portly, upright growth, and sends up shoots

from the base of the plant. The pretty white flowers are borne in

clusters for some distance along the slender shoots, and have a very

effective and pleasing appearance; indeed, the upper portion of the

plant as the appearance of a mass of white blossoms.



C. FRIGIDA.--Nepaul, 1824. The species forms a large shrub or low tree

with oblong, elliptical, sub-evergreen leaves. The flowers are white

and borne in large corymbs, which are followed by scarlet berries in

September.



C. MICROPHYLLA.--Small-leaved Cotoneaster. Nepaul, 1825. This is, from

a flowering point of view, probably the most useful of any member of

this rather large genus. Its numerous pretty white flowers, dark,

almost Yew-green leaves, and abundance of the showiest red berries in

winter, will ever make this dwarf, clambering plant a favourite with

those who are at all interested in beautiful shrubs. All, or nearly

all, the species of Cotoneaster are remarkable and highly valued for

their showy berries, but, except the above, and perhaps C. buxifolia

(Box-leaved Cotoneaster), few others are worthy of consideration from a

purely flowering point of view.



C. SIMONSII.--Khasia, 1868. The stems of this species usually grow from

4 feet to 6 feet high, with sub-erect habit. The leaves are

roundly-elliptic and slightly silky beneath. The small flowers are

succeeded by a profusion of scarlet berries that ripen in autumn. This

is generally considered the best for garden purposes.