Creeping dogwood (Cornus canadensis)

Creeping dogwood (Cornus canadensis) is a perennial plant that can grow up to 10cm tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Creeping dogwood (Cornus canadensis).

This plant has several common names including: creeping dogwood, bunchberry, crackerberry, dwarf cornel, pudding berries or pudding berry.

This is a deciduous plant that takes 5-10 years to reach full maturity.

Plant profile

Common name: creeping dogwood, bunchberry, crackerberry, dwarf cornel, pudding berries, pudding berry
Scientific name: Cornus canadensis
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Mat forming
Height: Up to 10cm
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Planting type: Ground Cover, Low Maintenance

Seasonal colors

How to plant Creeping dogwood (Cornus canadensis) – Arthur Chapman, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.

They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.

Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.

But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.

How to plant

In this section we will learn how to plant Creeping dogwood (Cornus canadensis), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.

Soil

Creeping dogwood (Cornus canadensis) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.

• Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).

• The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.

• Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.

As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.

Regarding drainage, Cornus canadensis likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.

Sunlight

Creeping dogwood (Cornus canadensis) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Creeping dogwood (Cornus canadensis) – Ryan Hodnett, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons