Description
Cotoneaster procumbens 'Queen of Carpets' | Creeping cotoneaster
Creeping cotoneaster 'Queen of Carpets' is the cultivar name of Cotoneaster procumbens 'Queen of Carpets', a low-growing, evergreen ground-cover shrub with a compact and spreading habit. It reaches an approximate mature height of 10 cm. Instead of forming an upright shrub, this prostrate cotoneaster grows close to the ground and creates a dense horizontal presence. Its green leaves remain evergreen, giving borders, rock gardens and containers a consistent layer of foliage throughout the year. The low, creeping structure is useful for covering soil between or in front of other plants, where a taller shrub would take up too much vertical space. White flowers add a seasonal point of interest, followed by ornamental red berries. These berries are not edible. The plant is low maintenance and grows slowly, making it suitable for gardeners who want a neat ground-cover form rather than a fast-growing spread. As a member of the cotoneaster genus, it brings the familiar ornamental combination of evergreen foliage, flowers and berries, while 'Queen of Carpets' is specifically valued for its very low, compact and spreading shape.
Key features of creeping cotoneaster (Cotoneaster procumbens 'Queen of Carpets')
- Seasonal flowers: White flowers appear in May and June. They are a seasonal ornamental feature, adding detail above the plant’s low green ground-cover layer.
- Evergreen foliage: The green leaves remain evergreen and help maintain visual continuity through the seasons. No specific leaf shape is assigned to this cultivar here.
- Low horizontal form: This low-growing cotoneaster has a compact, creeping and spreading structure. It creates a close-to-the-ground effect, rather than the upright profile of a taller shrub or tree. Growth is slow, which suits spaces where a calm, controlled ground-cover presence is wanted.
- Position and soil: It grows in full sun or partial shade. Choose a well-drained, humus-rich and slightly moist soil that is also lime-rich or alkaline. Good drainage is important in UK gardens, especially in mild, wet conditions, so avoid waterlogged soil and provide an open soil structure.
- Ground-cover use: This evergreen form is suited to Evergreen ground covers, as well as borders, rock gardens and containers. It is best viewed as a low layer near the soil, not as a plant for direct placement in paving or hard surfaces.
Uses of creeping cotoneaster 'Queen of Carpets' in the garden
- Ground cover and borders: Use this creeping cotoneaster to cover soil in borders or to soften the front edge of a planting scheme. Its compact, spreading habit gives a low horizontal layer without competing strongly for vertical space.
- Rock gardens and group planting: The close-to-the-ground form works well in rock gardens and in group planting. It can help link separate planting areas and provide visual continuity between stones, low plants and taller structural planting.
- Containers and smaller spaces: The low, spreading habit is useful in containers where a compact ground-cover plant is needed. It can add an evergreen green layer to a pot without creating an upright shrub profile.
- Combinations: Planting schemes can combine it with border plants, rock-garden plants, compact shrubs and taller perennials. Placed in front of taller shrubs or structural plants, it softens the lower part of the display and adds a distinct horizontal level.
- Hardiness: Cotoneaster procumbens 'Queen of Carpets' has a supplied hardiness range of approximately -23.3°C to -12.2°C and is listed as USDA zone 6. Actual results can vary between UK gardens and their local conditions, so this range should be used as a general guide rather than a promise for every microclimate.
- Ornamental value: Evergreen green foliage provides lasting structure, while white flowers appear in May and June. Red berries add a seasonal ornamental detail. They are not edible and should be regarded only as part of the plant’s decorative value.
Creeping cotoneaster 'Queen of Carpets' provides low-maintenance, evergreen ground cover with a compact horizontal shape. It is a practical choice for UK borders, rock gardens, group planting and containers where a low, spreading layer is needed.
