Cotoneaster Growing Conditions

My purple leaved Cotoneasters look terrible. They are around 10 years old and do not have many leaves. Do they need to be drastically pruned or a good dose of fertilizer? If so, tell me what type. I trim them around the edges to keep them in the bed.

Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster adpressus)

I would recommend rejuvenating (starting fresh) the shrubs by cutting them back to 3 or 4 inches above the ground. In several years from now, remove a few of the oldest stems in early spring by cutting them back to ground level. They will put out new shoots to take place of the old ones. These new shoots should then be thinned out if they are quite thick by cutting the weak ones back to the ground, leaving only 4 or 5 of the strongest. Keep doing this each spring as well as removing any dead, diseased or out of place branches or stems. Keep in mind the natural shape of the shrub as you remove any stems or branches. This method of pruning keeps the shrub looking young, healthy and attractive.

For healthy growth, Cotoneasters must have a moist, well-drained soil. They should be planted in full sun or partial shade. They will not do well in heavy shade. Fertilize the shrubs in spring using a fertilizer that is lower in nitrogen, such as 5-10-10 or 5-10-5, for examples, using rates recommended by the maunufacturer of the product.

Best of luck with your shrubs.