Overview
Cornus officinalis is a bushy, suckering, spreading, matforming deciduous tree in the genus Cornus, part of the Cornaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 10.0 m tall. Cornus officinalis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens and hedging and screens. It is native to China North-Central and China Southeast.
About
Cornus officinalis, the Japanese cornel or Japanese cornelian cherry, is a species of flowering plant in the dogwood family Cornaceae. Despite its name, it is native to China and Korea as well as Japan.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cornus officinalis
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
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cornus officinalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Deciduous tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering, Spreading, Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 10.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal gardens, Wildlife gardens, Hedging and screens
- Native to
- China North-Central, China Southeast
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cornus officinalis
- Propagation
- Seed, hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Snails, Scale insects, Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Cornus anthracnose, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cornus officinalis?
Cornus officinalis prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Cornus officinalis need?
Cornus officinalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Cornus officinalis grow?
Cornus officinalis reaches a height of 10.0 m.
Is Cornus officinalis hardy in the UK?
Cornus officinalis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Cornus officinalis?
Seed, hardwood cuttings.
More in the Cornus genus
- Cornus florida 'Fastigiata'Flowering Dogwood
- Cornus kousa 'Tsukuba No Mine'Kousa Dogwood
- Cornus mas 'Kazanlak' (F)cornelian cherry 'Kasanlaker'
- Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'Common dogwood
