Cornus Growing Guide
What is Cornus?
Cornus (Cornus spp.) also known as dogwood are a group of mainly deciduous trees and shrubs. They are part of the Cornaceae family and are native to North America, Japan, China and Himalayas. There are around 65 species in the genus each offering their own different characteristics to bring to your garden. Most Cornus are grown for their ornamental value. Some varieties provide floral colour in Spring and Summer while other varieties display bright colourful stems of red or yellow during Winter, where as some offer Autumn foliage colour. Most varieties of Cornus are deciduous and will go dormant during Winter before reshooting in Spring as the weather starts to warm up. There are some evergreen varieties and herbaceous perennials. Their foliage is usually broadly lance-shaped where many of the cultivated plants have variegated leaves. They flower in Spring and Summer with small stunning flowers, with the range of colours from pink, red, cream and white. After flowering some varieties will produce small berry like fruit usually red or white. Some of these are edible. Cornus need a full sun to part shade position in the garden with a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. They need a cold Winter for maximum flowering.
Benefits of Growing Cornus
are very easy to grow and requires a minimum of care. They suit both formal and cottage type of gardens. As they come in a large variety some can be used as a feature tree or larger highlights towards the back of a garden bed while others can be used to bring colour to a Winter garden.
How to Grow Cornus
Cornus Sunshine Dogwood
Climatic Zones
Cool, temperate, arid.
Plant Size
Sizes vary depending on variety.
Cornus Sunshine Dogwood (Cornus sericea) Height: 2m, Width: 1m
Cornus Yellow Stem Dogwood (Cornus sericea flaviramea) Height: 1.5m, Width: 2m
Evergreen Dogwood (Cornus capitata) Height: 4-6m, Width: 4-6m
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) Height: 4-6m, Width: 4-6m
When To Plant Cornus
Plant anytime.
Soil Preparation
They like fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Mix through compost or well broken down animal manure before planting.
How To Plant Cornus
Plant in full sun to part shade, with the soil level the same as it was in the pot.
Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball.
Cornus Plant Care
Water regularly until established then water well during the warmer months.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Feed in Spring with a well balanced, slow release fertiliser.
Requires little to no pruning when planted in the right position as they will grow to a rounded habit. You can give it a light pruning after flowering will keep it neat.
Recommended Cornus Varieties
Cornus Yellow Stem Dogwood
Evergreen Dogwood
Flowering Dogwood White
