Cotoneasters

"The large and diverse genus Cotoneaster includes some of the world's most useful and beautiful hardy shrubs. They vary in size from compact groundcovers to large specimens; their foliage may be evergreen or deciduous, sometimes displaying outstanding fall color; and they frequently bear large crops of eye-catching fruits, which may be red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, or black. Often thought of as the workhorses of the garden, they possess many ornamental traits and are easy to cultivate, putting them on a par with garden aristocrats like viburnums and daphnes. Although the number of species and selections in cultivation is relatively small, that situation is bound to change as gardeners and nursery owners become better acquainted with the merits of these supremely garden-worthy plants." "This monograph is a definitive treatment on the genus and the culmination of at least 50 years' combined prodigious research by the two authors. It is a monumental work and comprehensive source of information on the classification, identification, cultivation, and nomenclature of nearly all the known species and cultivars. Written for a broad audience of horticulturists and botanists, from the professional to the committed enthusiast, it aims to be scientifically accurate, practical, and readable. At last, Cotoneaster has received the attention it so richly deserves." --Book Jacket.