Of all the many shrubs which are suitable for planting in your garden, the Cotoneaster is one of the nicest you can choose. Several choice varieties are: C. Hupehensis, C. Multiflora, C. Racemifloravar. Songarica, and C. Salicifoliavar. Floccosa.
These varieties are very easy to grow, and are sufficiently hardy to grow in almost any climate. They are colorful, and they are among the most useful of shrubs for ornamental planting. They have smooth bright green leaves, almost waxy in apperance. All kinds thrive best if planted in an open sunny place, with well-drained soiL
One of the nicest varieties, and one with which I have had unusual success in my garden, is Catoneaster Multiflora. It has showy clusters of flowers in the spring, and bright red berries during the summer Birds love to eat these berries, and if you would like to attract more birds to your garden, the Multiflora is especially desirable.
It is generally believed that the Multiflora is not very free fruiting, but my plants, though only three years old, were so heavily loaded with berries last summer that the branches hung nearly to the ground.
The seeds of the Cotoneaster shrubs should be frost treated before planting in order for them to germinate. If they do not germinate the first summer, do not become discouraged, because if they are left undisturbed in their bed, they will come up the following year, and will reward your patience with gorgeous berries. And without a doubt, hungry birds of every description will dwell in your garden for quite some time. In some varieties of Cotoneaster, the foli age will have beautiful colors in the fall.
