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Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster
Photo: Delwyn Thomas
Invasive Plant
Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster species
 

These common shrubs grow from prostrate to 4 m and were commonly used as hedging plants due to their vigorous nature. They produce clusters of white flowers during spring and summer followed by red berries which hang on the branches for months after flowering. These plants have become widespread weeds in bushland and farming land. Prostrate forms sold as ground covers or rockery plants do not appear to be invasive.

 
 
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Alternative Plants

Bottlebrush
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant Bottlebrush
Callistemon 'Kings Park Special'
Trees and Shrubs
 

A small bushy Australian native tree to 5 m high with attractive weeping branches and grey-green leaves. Deep red bottlebrush flowers are grouped together in bunches and produce a spectacular display. There are many other Bottle Brushes to choose from which produce bright red flowers and attract and feed native honeyeaters. Ask at your local garden centre for the best cultivars for your garden.

Flowering Crab Apples
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Flowering Crab Apples
Malus hybrids and cultivars
Berried Plants
 

Decorative, deciduous, highly ornamental, medium size trees grown for their prolific spring blossom and persistent, showy red crab apples in autumn and winter. Colours range from white to deep cerise and reddish-purple. They are often used as feature trees, in avenue plantings and provide wonderful summer shade.

Pin Cushion Hakea
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Pin Cushion Hakea
Hakea laurina
Trees and Shrubs
 

An upright shrub or small tree to 5 m high with a compact, rounded head and flowers freely each year on the well-ripened wood. The rounded pin-cushion flower heads are soft cardinal or cherry red, with projecting long styles, white to pale pink on aging. They are lightly perfumed and attractive to bees and nectar feeding birds and insects. Grows in a range of environments but prefers drier soils and good sunlight.

 
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