About
Cornus alternifolia 'Yellow Spring' is a robust deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 5 meters. In spring, it produces elongated, pointed leaves that are a vibrant golden yellow, arranged alternately along the branches. The striking contrast of lacy white flower clusters emerges against the yellow foliage during this season. As summer progresses, the leaves transition to a deeper green, and by autumn, they take on a red-purple hue. In summer, this plant also bears dark blue fruits.
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, 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. 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