Little Dipper Cotoneaster

Little Dipper is a low, deciduous cotoneaster cultivar sold as Cotoneaster procumbens ‘Gerald’ PP#22,760. White flowers appear in spring, followed by red berries in late summer above foliage that spreads close to the ground. ## Size and site [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/plant/little-dipper-cotoneaster/) and [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/little-dipper-21330) report a mature height of 6–12 inches and spread of 4–5 feet, with USDA zones 5–8. A current [Canadian retailer](https://plantcentral.ca/shop-all/little-dipper-cotoneaster/) lists a 3-foot spread; the existing 1-meter numeric width is retained and the revised display range of 3–5 feet reflects the differing published spread reports while keeping the required feet unit for a range extending beyond 36 inches. The mat-forming habit suits mass planting, borders, and erosion control. Proven Winners lists salt tolerance and deer resistance. ## Identity and availability The exact-selection pages use the name ‘Gerald’ and U.S. plant patent PP#22,760. The [Google Patents record](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP22760P2/en) identifies the published patent as USPP22760P2, dated May 29, 2012. The original scientific-name text, Canadian registration notation, variety, Proven Winners relationship, and existing plant link are retained. Breeder pages say they no longer offer the cultivar, but a current retail listing remains active, so those breeder notices do not establish that the plant is obsolete. ## Maintenance Plant in full sun or partial shade in soil with good drainage. Water during establishment, then trim selectively if the groundcover exceeds its space; avoid routine close shearing that removes flowers and berries.