About

This deciduous shrub features slender, vertical stems that reach approximately 2 meters in height, exhibiting a dark red hue. Its mid-green foliage may take on red and yellow tones as autumn arrives. In late spring and early summer, the plant produces clusters of small cream-colored flowers, which are succeeded by white berries.

About the genus

Cornus includes a variety of deciduous shrubs and trees, as well as prostrate, woody perennials, some featuring vibrant young stems. The small flowers appear in compact clusters, occasionally accompanied by prominent bracts. Several species display attractive foliage in the fall.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Will grow in most soil conditions in sun or partial shade. For more information see winter stem colour cultivation or flowering dogwood cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 7
Propagation
Propagate by hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus