Most tall cotoneasters are hardy in the South north into Tennessee, up through southern Maryland and Delaware along the Atlantic Coast (zone 7). Some can handle winters in more northern areas where winter temperatures dip to -10F. or more (zones 5 and 4).
Locating And Planting
Tall, shrublike cotoneasters do best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. While they are not particular about soil, managing nicely in either mildly acid to neutral soil (pH 6.5 to 7.0), they will be stressed in soil that is too alkaline. They do need good drainage, so avoid planting them in low spots in the yard where runoff from rain may accumulate.
Plant cotoneasters of all kinds in the spring or fall. They have sparse, stringy root systems, which do not transplant well, so buy container grown plants from the nursery. These tall types should 2 to 4 feet tall. When planting, remove the cotoneaster from its container and gently loosen the roots and spread them. Dig a planting hole wide enough to accomodate the spread roots and as deep as the rootball. Place the plant in the hole, making certain that the top of the rootball is at, and not below, ground level. Fill the hole with soil to the level of the surrounding ground and water thoroughly to provide good soil-to-root contact. Plant shrubs 2 1/2 to 3 feet apart. For more information see the file on Planting Shrubs
