Cotoneaster has a small root system, so carefully remove it from its container to plant. Plant at the same depth as the shrub was in the container spacing plants 3 to 5 feet apart. Keep young plants well watered. Once established, plants are drought tolerant.

How far apart should I plant cotoneaster?

Plant the shrubs 12 to 18 inches apart. A more relaxed approach is to plant them further apart -- up to 4 feet -- for an informal hedge. They get taller, six or seven feet, but are a lot looser.

When should you plant cotoneaster?

Cotoneasters thrive in moist but well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. The best time to plant a cotoneaster is in autumn, when the soil is still warm from summer but moist enough for the roots to establish before winter sets in.