Rockspray Cotoneaster Bonsai
Branching becomes somewhat tiered over time.
Rockspray cotoneaster bonsai. It is semi deciduous in tasmania with small dark green leaves spring flowers and in autumn attractive bright red berries. Cotoneaster horizontalis commonly called rockspray cotoneaster is a coarse dense slow growing semi prostrate shrub that grows to 2 3 tall and spreads over time to 6 8 wide on stiff flattened horizontal branching that features branchlets arranged in fishbone patterns. Branching becomes somewhat tiered over time. As cotoneaster bonsai like to sucker suckers must be vigilantly removed to promote trunk growth.
Herringbone cotoneaster is an alternative name sometimes used for this species. Rockspray cotoneaster is a coarse dense slow growing semi prostrate shrub that grows to 2 3 tall and spreads over time to 6 8 wide on stiff flattened horizontal branching that features branchlets arranged in fishbone patterns. Cotoneaster is a deciduous spreading shrub. These sprays develop a distinctive herringbone pattern which is quite appealing.
Fertilize the tree every two weeks with high nitrogen in spring balanced feed in summer and low nitrogen in autumn. A fine choice for a first bonsai is cotoneaster horizontatis the rockspray cotoneaster which often makes an interesting trunk without any training. The tiny rounded leaves are quite pretty. It requires well drained soil and tolerates poor soils in full sun to part shade.
Its herringbone growth pattern and wide leaves are not typical of the genus although it is one of the most popular varieties for bonsai. New buds form on old wood. Rockspray cotoneaster is a coarse dense slow growing shrub that reaches 2 3 feet tall and 6 8 feet wide. Cool autumn temperatures bring a brilliant flush of fall color to the finely textured glossy green foliage and highly ornamental red berries.
It grows vigorously producing many branches which take readily to pruning. In its southern reaches it is semi evergreen to evergreen. It grows with stiff and evenly branched sprays of foliage. This is an ideal species for the novice bonsai enthusiast.
Spring blooms give way to abundant showy red fruits.