Dwarf cotoneaster ‘Little Gem’

* Common name: Dwarf cotoneaster ‘Little Gem’

Cotoneaster ‘Little Gem’ in fall.

* Botanical name: Cotoneaster adpressus ‘Little Gem’

* What it is: A low, slow-growing and widely arching semi-evergreen with green leaves smaller than a pinky nail and burnt maroon fall foliage. Holds leaves throughout some winters and occasionally produces some red berries in fall to early winter.

* Size: 18 to 24 inches tall, 4 to 5 feet wide.

* Where to use: Compact and attractive enough for use around all but the shadiest house foundations – especially when in fall foliage. Also useful massed as a groundcover when planted 4 to 5 feet apart. Prefers good drainage and no hot spots (i.e. avoid next to a sunny asphalt driveway). Full sun to part-day shade is fine.

* Care: Keep damp the first season or two, then cotoneaster is drought-tolerant. Mites are an occasional bug problem. Fertilize with a scattering of acidifying, organic, granular fertilizer early each spring. Pruning is not needed so long as size is OK. Snip or lightly shear plants at end of winter if needed.

* Great partner: Black-eyed susans, yellow daylilies or golden mums are good perennial partners. Or plant ‘Little Gem’ under small to mid-size ornamental trees, such as Kousa dogwood, goldenrain tree or Japanese tree lilac.