About

This compact, bushy tree reaches a height of up to 6 meters. It features ovate leaves that transition to shades of red and purple during the fall. In early summer, it produces prominent flower clusters, each consisting of four broad, ovate bracts that start as cream and gradually develop a pink hue. The flowering is succeeded by rose-red 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
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or light shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings or grafting
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus