Dogwood (Cornus)

Cornus (Dogwood) are one of the most appreciated genus of plants for gardens. There are species for all tastes, from tremendous stem colors, delicate flowers and beautiful leaves.

Dogwoods are mainly deciduous shrubs or small trees but there are some few perennials. They are widely distributed in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere.

Plant profile

Common name: Dogwood
Scientific name: Cornus
Plant type: Shrubs, Trees
Foliage: Deciduous
Foliage color: Green (spring), Green (summer), Orange (autumn), Red (autumn), Yellow (autumn)
Flower color: Pink, Purple, White, Yellow
Stem color: Orange, Purple, Red, Yellow
Season of interest: Spring, Winter
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Architectural, Informal Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Patio & Container Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Hedging & Screens, Low Maintenance

The leaves are opposite, sometimes alternate, ovate and mid to dark green. The flowers are usually small, mostly greenish, yellowish or purplish, but there is a group where the flowers are abundant and very decorative.

The various species all do best in full sun or partial shade. They appreciate a fertile and well drained soil although most of the species will grow fine in almost any soil.

The species with colorful stems can be pruned hard back to the ground as this will produce more growth with best color. Full sun position also improve the stem colors. This type of dogwoods are a must have in any garden for winter color, from a shrub border to a flowerbed or a waterside garden.

Following is a list of some of the most extraordinary Cornus (Dogwoods) species:

Cornus alba ‘sibirica’ (Siberian dogwood) features red stems in winter