Fine-Textured Foliage

Texture is essential to garden design, and while every plant has it, not every landscape is arranged to showcase it. A thoughtfully designed space adds depth and visual interest by including a mix of plants that are varied in look and feel. If you’re in need of a texture change in your garden, Silverstone™ cotoneaster (Cotoneaster buxifolius) is a fantastic choice—its fine, distinct foliage stands out from neighboring plants while still blending seamlessly into a lush, natural aesthetic.

Silverstone cotoneaster is enjoyed most for the silvery foliage that grows along its long stems. The bluish tint of the leaves subtly breaks up the monotony of the solid green you typically see in a garden. Bonus features pop up throughout the year with tiny white flowers emerging in spring and turning into bright red berries by fall. At 2–3′ tall and 4–6′ wide, its wider-than-tall habit is great for filling in space at the front or middle of a border, especially if you’re looking for something to deliver reliable interest across seasons.

As a sun lover, Silverstone cotoneaster performs best with at least six hours of direct sunlight. It is very adaptable to different soil types, while displaying excellent drought tolerance and fire blight resistance when compared to similar varieties. This shrub is a great choice for gardeners in USDA Zones 5–10. If you garden in a warmer climate, this shrub stays semi-evergreen, providing lasting color year-round. Near the colder end of the range, the stems may die back to the ground during winter, but the roots will survive to push up new growth come spring.

Pruning Recommendations by Shrub

Pruning shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. Our new in-depth guide covers pruning recommendations for 82 types of shrubs so you can garden with more confidence. Simply click on a plant from the list to jump straight to specific tips on when and how to prune it properly.

And if you’re gearing up for fall cleanup, check the list first—you might be surprised by which shrubs you should leave alone! Explore the guide: Discover Pruning Recommendations by Shrub.