Spreading Cotoneaster is an upright, rounded, densely branched, deciduous shrub reaching 5-6 feet tall by 6-8 feet wide that is named for its spreading habit. It is easy to grow in well-drained soils. It grows best in loam based soils, however, will adapt to other soil types. It tolerates poor soils and drought once established. Pruning to remove old wood will also encourage its arching branching. Provide a layer of mulch to discourage weeds.