About
A variable shrub or tree reaching up to around 15m tall in cultivation with oblong to elliptic, glossy, evergreen leaves that may be a coppery-red colour when young. In spring, clusters of up to 70 tiny, greenish flowers are surrounded by eye-catching, creamy-white bracts up to 4cm long and may be followed by rounded, red or yellowish-red fruits.
About the genus
Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina, Laos & Vietnam
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich well-drained neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus