Overview
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' is a suckering shrubs in the genus Cornus, part of the Cornaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.
About
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' is a medium-sized deciduous shrub that spreads through suckering, creating dense thickets. Its stems are yellow-orange with red tips, which are most vivid during the winter months. The leaves are simple and oval, providing some color in the fall. In late spring or early summer, it produces small, off-white flowers, which are succeeded by clusters of white 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
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, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'
- 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
- Propagation
- Propagate by hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'?
Will grow in most soil conditions in sun or partial shade. For more information see winter stem colour cultivation or flowering dogwood cultivation.
Where is the best place to plant Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'?
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' need?
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' 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 poorly-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'?
Pruning group 7.
How big does Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' grow?
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' hardy in the UK?
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'?
Propagate by hardwood cuttings.