The Red
Clusterberry is an attractive evergreen shrub with gracefully arching branches
and abundant clusters of bright red fruits. Native to China and northern India.
Leaves are dark green above, whitish-green beneath, simple, alternate,
elliptic-ovate to oblong-ovate, 1″ to 1 1/2″ long, 1/4″ to
3/4″ wide. Foliage turns a dark purple-red in winter. White flowers mid to
late summer, followed by red berries which persist throughout the winter. Best
as informal hedge, screen, or specimen plant. Fast growth rate. Hardy in zones
6-8. Also known as the milkflower cotoneaster and Parney cotoneaster. Synonym
Cotoneaster lacteus.
Growing
Instructions for the Red Clusterberry
The seeds have
a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for
spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions
and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Scarify the seeds by
nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a
nail file or an emery board. 2. Soak the seed in water for several hours. 3.
Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator
for 3-4 months. 4. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture
of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a
pot. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet. 5. Sow the seeds on the
soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. 6. Water the container and leave
it to drain. 7. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area. 8. Water the pot regularly
so that the soil is moist but not wet. The seeds take about a month to
germinate. 9. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches
tall.
Ryker (verified owner) –
So far so good!
Kevin (verified owner) –
Very fast delivery.
Kai (verified owner) –
The product is firmly packed.
Avery (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days
Tyler (verified owner) –
The seeds had a great germination rate