Troubleshooting
Bearberry Cotoneaster problems — and how to fix them
Bearberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora)
Bacterial infection causes shoots to wilt and blacken as if scorched. Cut affected wood back to at least 30 cm below the damage, sterilising tools between cuts. No chemical cure is available for garden use in the UK.
Woolly aphid
White waxy colonies appear on stems, especially in summer. Encourage natural predators such as ladybirds; wash off with a strong jet of water or treat with an approved insecticidal soap.
Cotoneaster webber moth caterpillars
Larvae bind leaves together with silk webbing and skeletonise foliage in summer. Remove affected shoots by hand; larger infestations can be treated with an approved contact insecticide.
Prevent bearberry cotoneaster problems before they start
Most bearberry cotoneaster issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Bearberry Cotoneaster problems — FAQ
Why is my bearberry cotoneaster fire blight (erwinia amylovora)?
Bacterial infection causes shoots to wilt and blacken as if scorched. Cut affected wood back to at least 30 cm below the damage, sterilising tools between cuts. No chemical cure is available for garden use in the UK.
Why is my bearberry cotoneaster woolly aphid?
White waxy colonies appear on stems, especially in summer. Encourage natural predators such as ladybirds; wash off with a strong jet of water or treat with an approved insecticidal soap.
Why is my bearberry cotoneaster cotoneaster webber moth caterpillars?
Larvae bind leaves together with silk webbing and skeletonise foliage in summer. Remove affected shoots by hand; larger infestations can be treated with an approved contact insecticide.