About
Cornus sanguinea 'Magic Flame' is a tall, upright deciduous shrub, reaching heights of over 2 meters. It features broad, oval green leaves that transition to vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red during the fall. In winter, the bare branches showcase an orange-yellow hue accented by vivid red tips. During the summer months, this variety produces flat clusters of creamy-white flowers, which are later succeeded by blue-black berries.
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, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Will grow in most soil conditions in sun or partial shade. For more information see winter stem colour cultivation or flowering dogwood cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 7 every couple of years to produce vigorous colourful young shoots will help to keep the shrub compact
- Propagation
- Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose which may affect weak shoots