About
Cornus x rutgersensis Celestial ('Rutdan') is a sizable shrub or a small deciduous tree, reaching heights of up to 6 meters. It has an upright growth form and features green leaves that transition to plum purple hues in the fall. During May and June, it produces numerous overlapping, rounded bracts that flatten as they mature. Initially tinged with green, these bracts eventually open to reveal white petals with a green center.
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
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, humus-rich well-drained soil in sun or partial shade in a warm, sunny position for summer heat, with shelter from cold winds. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
- Pruning
- 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 honey fungus (sometimes), cornus anthracnose diseases and powdery mildews