About

Cornus canadensis is a perennial plant that spreads through rhizomes, creating a broad mat of oval foliage arranged in whorls on upright stems that reach heights of 10 to 15 cm. In late spring and early summer, it produces noticeable oval white bracts that encircle greenish flowers, which are succeeded by red 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, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
Up to 10 cm
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Native to
Greenland to Alaska

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moist acidic soil in sun or partial shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by division
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus