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Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster
Photo: Delwyn Thomas
Invasive Plant
Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster species
 

Very commonly planted because of the large crops of red berries which hang on the branches for months after flowering, the cotoneasters are widespread weeds in bushland and farming land. Prostrate forms sold as groundcovers or rockery plants do not appear to be invasive.

 

Pyracantha and Cotoneaster species are often confused with each other. Cotoneaster species are similar but lack thorns.

As an alternative to the Cotoneasters and Pyracanthas, we suggest you grow instead the hardy, Australian native Bottle Brushes which produce bright red flowers to attract and feed native honeyeaters.

 
 
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Alternative Plants

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

A small bushy tree to 5m tall with attractive weeping branches and grey-green leaves.

Deep red bottle brush flowers are grouped together in bunches and make a spectacular display.

Flowering Crab Apple
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Flowering Crab Apple
Malus species
Berried Plants
 

Decorative, deciduous, highly ornamental, medium size tree grown for its spring blossom and persistent, showy red crab apples in autumn and winter.

This is a splendid medium tree and will provide wonderful summer shade. Go to www.flemings.com. au for more information.

NSW Christmas Bush
Photo: Fagg, M - ANBG
Alternative Plant NSW Christmas Bush
Ceratopetalum gummiferum
Trees and Shrubs
 

A large shrub or small tree to 5m high in cultivation. The foliage is very attractive and the new growth is often pink or bronze coloured. The true flowers are white in colour .The main attraction is the massed display of red sepals n which are commonly mistaken to be flowers. These are at their peak in early to mid summer and usually at Christmas. The sepals and foliage are widely used for cut flowers.

 
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