About

Cornus nuttallii 'Monarch' is a sizable deciduous shrub or small tree characterized by its conical form. The young stems are green, transitioning to a reddish hue as they mature. The leaves are green throughout the summer, shifting to shades of yellow and orange-red in the fall. In spring, it produces creamy-white flowers featuring yellow-green centers, occasionally with a light pink tint. These are succeeded by orange-red berries that emerge in early autumn.

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
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs, Trees
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
1-1.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in most soil conditions in sun or partial shade. For more information see cornus cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 7
Propagation
Propagate by hardwood cuttings, semi-ripe cuttings, or layering
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus