Cornus mas (cornelian cherry) — Bushy

Overview

Cornus mas is a bushy shrubs in the genus Cornus, part of the Cornaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Cornus mas grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

About

Cornus mas, commonly known as cornelian cherry, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Cornaceae family. It grows bushy with a height and spread ranging from 2.5 to 4 metres, reaching full size over 10 to 20 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained or well-drained conditions. It is suitable for all garden aspects and exposures, offering seasonal interest in autumn and winter.

About the genus

Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods or cornels, which can generally be distinguished by their blossoms, berries, and distinctive bark. Most are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and some species are evergreen. Several species have small heads of inconspicuous flowers surrounded by an involucre of large, typically white petal-like bracts, while others have more open clusters of petal-bearing flowers.

Wikipedia contributors, "Cornus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cornus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cornus

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

Cornus mas size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 2.5-4 metres
Spread: 2.5-4 metres
Time to full height: 10-20 years
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Hedging and screens
Native to: Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cornus mas

Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Grafting
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Cornus anthracnose, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Cornus mas?

Cornus mas prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Cornus mas need?

Cornus mas is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.