About
Cornus alternifolia 'Golden Shadows' is a deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching heights of up to 3.6 meters. Its leaves are ovate and variegated, showcasing irregular yellow-green centers surrounded by golden yellow edges, arranged alternately along the stems. In spring, the leaf tips exhibit a flush of orange-red, deepening in color as autumn approaches. Lacy white flower clusters emerge in spring, positioned above the bright foliage. By summer, dark blue fruits develop, offering a food source for birds.
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
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Favours a woodland situation, avoiding full sun. Grow in fertile, humus rich, moist, acid soil which does not dry out. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by hardwood cuttings, grafting, seed.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to mussel scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus