PLANT OF THE WEEK

COTONEASTER LACTEUS/ LATE COTONEASTER

I spotted this tree in a front garden this week looking really splendid, laden with bright red berries and it struck me that we are all missing a trick not planting it a little bit more.

It’s evergreen – the leaves are large, leathery and dark green with a grey furry underside. The plentiful white flowers in summer are followed by copious clusters of scarlet fruit – they ripen late and so last on the tree up until and sometimes beyond Christmas.

It can be grown as a large shrub, hedge or small specimen tree with its graceful arching branches.

A great addition to the garden and the birds will be ever so grateful for their Christmas dinner!

Grow in sun or partial shade in average welldrained soil, but it’s tolerant of most aspects and soils.