Photo of Cotoneaster atropurpureus 'Variegatus' foliage by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Photo by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Cotoneaster atropurpureus 'Variegatus'

Also Known As

  • Cotoneaster horizontalis 'Variegatus'
  • Variegated Rock Cotoneaster
  • Variegated Rockspray Cotoneaster

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 5'-8'

planting zones

  • 6a-8b

More Options

Cotoneaster atropurpureus 'Variegatus' plant details

Cotoneaster atropurpureus 'Variegatus' is a moderate-growing, slow-growing broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with green, variegated and white foliage. In spring apricot, pink and white flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cotoneaster atropurpureus 'Variegatus'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: rosaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green, variegated and white
Mature size: 5 FT - 8 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: apricot, pink and white blooms in spring
Uses: fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cotoneaster atropurpureus 'Variegatus'

USDA Zones: 6a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A similar habit to the species (low-growing with stiff ?herringbone? branching pattern and bright red berries), but with attractive green and white variegated leaves; red-pink fall color. S/M
This deciduous cotoneaster is a great accent plant or groundcover. It has green leaves with white edges that turn pinkish-red in the fall. Shiny red berries give this plant even more textural interest. Growth Rate slow
Lot's of things about this plant are typical of Cotoneaster - white blooms in spring, red berries in fall and evergreen foliage but the big difference in this one is Variegated Foliage! Nice change. Tiny oval leaves to 1/2" with attractive creamy white margins. In Fall, leaves turn pink to red!

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Low-growing, shrub, to only 2' tall spreading to 5' wide, similar to others but with variegated foliage -- tiny, 1/2", green leaves with creamy white margins -- for an interesting addition to a very textured plant. Produces white flowers in spring and red berries in the fall. Likes well-drained soil in sun to part shade and regular summer water. Can remain evergreen in warm temperatures; deciduous below 20 °F. Frost hardy to -20 °F, USDA zone 6.

Gardening facts about Cotoneaster atropurpureus 'Variegatus' plant

How to Grow Cotoneaster atropurpureus 'Variegatus'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • white
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
    • apricot
  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Cotoneaster for your garden

aka Cotoneaster cooperi, Cotoneaster dammeri 'Cooperi', Cotoneaster microphylla 'Cooperi', Cooperi Little-leaf Cotoneaster

Plant Type

Shrub, Groundcover

Zones

5a-9a

Size

Height: 3"-12"

Width: 24"-36"

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Cotoneaster microphyllus 'Cooperi' foliage by Secret Garden Growers
View Plant

aka Cheney Cotoneaster, Cheney Rockspray Cotoneaster

Plant Type

Shrub, Groundcover

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 36"-48"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Cotoneaster horizontalis 'Cheney' fruit by Secret Garden Growers
View Plant

Scientific Name: Cotoneaster hodjingensis

aka Gray Leaf Cotoneaster

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 6'-8'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Cotoneaster glaucophyllus hort. foliage, fruit by Evan Bean
View Plant

More Options

aka Cotoneaster parneyi, Milkflower Cotoneaster, Parney Cotoneaster, Red Clusterberry

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8b-10b

Size

Height: 6'-10'

Width: 10'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Cotoneaster lacteus fruit by Père Igor
View Plant

More Options

aka Gray Leaf Cotoneaster

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7b-9b

Size

Height: 10'-12'

Width: 10'-12'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Cotoneaster glaucophyllus foliage, fruit by John Tann
View Plant

More Options

+48 more Cotoneaster
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved