About
Cornus x elwinortonii Starlight ('Kn4 43'PBR), part of the Jersey Star Series, is a robust, deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 10 meters, featuring a well-defined, upright oval crown. The leaves are glossy green and range from oval to egg-shaped, transforming into attractive red hues as autumn arrives. In the spring, mature specimens produce a multitude of small, dense green flower clusters encircled by large, creamy-white bracts that display a subtle pinkish tint, measuring up to 15 centimeters across. These blooms may yield raspberry-like red fruits in the fall.
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, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, humus-rich well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
- Pruning
- See pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by grafting or from semi-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