Is leaf drop normal in winter?

Bearberry cotoneaster is semi-evergreen, so it may lose some leaves in very cold winters. This is normal and new growth will appear in spring.

Can I save a branch with fire blight?

Once fire blight takes hold, the best course of action is to prune the infected branch back to healthy wood. There is no cure, so prevention and removal are key.

Bearberry cotoneaster: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture to see if it is too dry.
Inspect branches for scorched or blackened areas.
Look for signs of pests that might be causing stress.

Likely causes

Severe drought
Most likely
How to tell: Leaves turn yellow or brown and fall off rapidly after a long period of dry soil. The plant is shedding foliage to conserve moisture.
What to do: Give the plant a deep soak immediately. Maintain a consistent watering schedule of every 7 to 14 days to prevent further stress.
Fire blight
Possible
How to tell: Branches look scorched or blackened and leaves drop from those specific areas. This is a bacterial infection that spreads through the plant.
What to do: Prune out the affected branches at least 6 inches below the damaged area. Sterilize your shears with alcohol between every cut to stop the spread.

Find out what's wrong with your bearberry cotoneaster

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if leaf drop is sudden and affects large sections of the plant. It is normal for a few old leaves to drop occasionally as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent care and prune out any dead or damaged wood promptly. Keep the plant in a spot with good air circulation.

Keep your bearberry cotoneaster healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Is leaf drop normal in winter?: Bearberry cotoneaster is semi-evergreen, so it may lose some leaves in very cold winters. This is normal and new growth will appear in spring.
Can I save a branch with fire blight?: Once fire blight takes hold, the best course of action is to prune the infected branch back to healthy wood. There is no cure, so prevention and removal are key.

Why is my Bearberry cotoneaster losing leaves?