Cotoneaster lacteus - January 13th

A great evergreen berrying shrub! It holds its berries right through into the new year - regardless of weather conditions. Arching branches positively droop under the weight of the red fruit. It should be on the list of flowering plants as well, as the dark green leaves (white underneath) act as a good contrasting backdrop for the white flowers in summer.

It forms a rather large shrub - small tree even - which will grow quite happily to 3.5 - 4m, with a similar spread. It can be trimmed to shape when grown as a hedging plant, or it can also be grown as a wall/fence shrub with careful pruning. Without doubt though, it is best as a specimen shrub at the back of a large border - or in the lawn as a feature.