About
This deciduous shrub typically reaches a height of up to 2 meters and has a spreading habit. In summer, it produces oval leaves and small white flowers, though it is primarily valued for its vibrant stems. The orange-red and yellow shoots are particularly pronounced in the winter months, providing notable color during the colder season.
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
- 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
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
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