About
Cornus 'Ascona' is a sprawling shrub that can reach heights of up to 5 meters. In winter, its purple stems provide visual interest, while the oval, mid-green foliage transitions to shades of red, orange, or purple in the fall. During late spring, it produces clusters of small green flowers, which are framed by prominent white bracts that can grow up to 8 centimeters in length. This plant is also known for its spherical, orange-red fruit that appear after flowering.
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
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or part shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1 but best with minimal pruning
- Propagation
- Propagate by semi-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