Cotoneaster atropurpureus

Cotoneaster atropurpureus, the purple-flowered cotoneaster,^[1] is a species of flowering plant in the genus Cotoneaster of the family Rosaceae, native to the Hubei province of China. It is a prostrate, deciduous shrub growing to 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) wide. It can be used as groundcover or trained to ascend up a wall or other support. Its fan-shaped, arching branches bear small, rounded, glossy green leaves turning purple in autumn. Red/black flowers are followed by small, globose, scarlet fruits (pomes).^[2][3]

Cotoneaster atropurpureus
Cotoneaster atropurpureus, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Rosaceae
Genus:	Cotoneaster
Species:	C. atropurpureus
Binomial name
Cotoneaster atropurpureus Flinck & B.Hylmö

The cultivar 'Variegatus' (syn. C. horizontalis 'Variegatus'), with leaves margined in cream, turning red in autumn, is often seen in cultivation. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[4]