Corylopsis
Ranging as they do from species which grow only inches high to tree-like specimens of 20 ft. or so, cotoneasters are virtually indispensable to the gardener. The choice is bewildering, and there is space here only to include those which have proved their worth in my experience.
C. alba spaethii is the supreme champion because the golden variegated leaves spread cheer on the dampest day in summer and like the type plant it can really cover the ground, a veritable racehorse of a plant.
Pruning is only required if the twigs are nipped by frost, otherwise leave well alone. To increase my collection I find layering the most fruitful method, cutting a low branch back hard, then pegging down the young shoots which break from the stump.
Cotoneaster conspicuus is a graceful, small- leaved shrub with arching wide-spreading branches. The white flowers are followed by equally numerous bright red berries. C. x cornuhia grows 20 ft. high with the largest berries of all and looks most effective when grown as a standard. I lost two before it occurred to me that the plant hated wet feet even more than I do. It is important therefore to make certain that all surplus moisture drains away rapidly. There are a large number of cotoneasters growing in the garden outside my house.
For a long time I gave the accolade to a species labelled wardii because it was planted in the most efficacious position for display of the silver-grey leaves and orange berries. Then I was given another C. wardii from an unimpeachable source, and now I find the original plant is C. franchetii sternianus. Those who buy a plant should place it so that the rising sun shines full upon rime- frosted leaves.
A freely drained, yet moisture-retentive soil encourages the vigorous growth which in mature specimens can reach 8 to 10 ft. The coloured leaved forms I have grown includefoliis purpureis with leaves of rich purple which look gorgeous when planted round with white colchicum. I hard prune the branches in spring which helps to intensify the shades of the leaves, and keeps the shrub compact. Notcutts is a form with dark red leaves which need sunshine to light them up or they appear dull black. My method of propagation is to remove pieces as required from the parent plant with a sharp spade. Possibly it would be simpler to dig the whole lot up and divide it but this puts all the shrub in jeopardy and I never need more than one piece at a time.
