Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster

Prostrate Willowleaf Cotoneaster is identified by [North Carolina State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cotoneaster-salicifolius-repens/) as Cotoneaster salicifolius ‘Repens’; the display name is preserved and the cultivar epithet remains explicit. This low, wide selection has glossy dark green foliage that may take purple tones, white spring flowers, and red fruits that add interest in fall and winter. ## Form and growing conditions NC State reports a mature height of about 1 foot and spread of about 8 feet, and lists USDA zones 6a–9b. The existing record had no dimensions or hardiness range, so the profile now uses those directly reported values, expressed as 0.3 meters high and 2.4 meters wide. The plant grows in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil; the extension profile notes drought and salt exposure as challenges rather than tolerances. A [University of Connecticut account](https://plantdatabase.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=141) describes the ‘Repens’ form as low-growing and notes that foliage can become semi-evergreen in severe winters. ## Landscape use Its spreading mat is suited to groundcover, mass planting, or a low border where its eventual width can be accommodated. The [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhsplants.co.uk/plants/_/cotoneaster-salicifolius-repens/classid.2000048959/sku.tr30000879/) notes the red berries are attractive to birds. Keep the botanical identity qualified: the exact common-name match and named selection support C. salicifolius ‘Repens’ here, while the older entered C. repens binomial is not treated as a settled synonym. ## Maintenance Allow room for the broad spread and trim edges selectively if the mat crosses a path or neighboring planting. Inspect foliage periodically; NC State lists scale, aphids, fire blight, leaf spot, and viruses among reported problems.