About
Cornus sericea subsp. occidentalis 'Sunshine' is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub that produces multiple stems and suckers. Its foliage is yellow-green during the spring and summer months, transitioning to a vivid red in autumn before shedding to expose red stems in winter. In summer, the shrub showcases clusters of white flowers, which are succeeded by 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
- 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
- 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, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Will grow in most soil conditions in sun or partial shade. For more information see flowering dogwood cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 7. Remove suckers if required to prevent spread
- 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