About Cotoneaster parneyi (Red Cluster Berry)
This evergreen shrub is known as Cotoneaster parneyi or, commonly as, Red Cluster Berry. As a quick grower, this plant has a mounding growth habit reaching an average mature landscape size of 6-8′ tall by 6-10′ wide. Its arching branches are filled with textured green leaves and welcome clusters of tiny white flowers in the spring. During the fall and winter months, clusters of bright red berries emerge offering local birds a tasty meal. Drought tolerant once established, this shrub is also hardy to temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Care and planting instructions
Plant Cotoneaster parneyi in full sun to part shade using a well draining soil. Water regularly after planting to help establish its roots, then reduce frequency. In late winter or early spring, prune back growth for desired shape and cut back any broken or dead branches for a cleaned up look.
Landscape design ideas
As a large growing shrub, this plant is an excellent choice when planted as a privacy screen. Its drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for California landscape designs and is a water conscious plant option for city landscapes as well as street medians. For a low growing variation of this plant, consider Cotoneaster dammeri ‘Lowfast’.
