About
Cornus florida 'Sunset' is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a rounded form. Its leaves are oval and variegated, initially emerging with a pink edge that matures into a wide, irregular yellow margin during summer. In autumn, the foliage transforms, displaying hues of pink, red, and purple. In late spring, the plant produces small green flowers that are complemented by delicate whitish-pink bracts.
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
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade. Keep roots cool with a mulch in summer and provide shelter in exposed locations.. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus