Japanese cornelian cherry (Cornus officinalis)
Japanese cornelian cherry (Cornus officinalis) is a shrub that can grow 3m – 8m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Japanese cornelian cherry (Cornus officinalis).
This plant has several common names including: Japanese cornelian cherry or Japanese cornel.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 5-10 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: Japanese cornelian cherry, Japanese cornel
Scientific name: Cornus officinalis
Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Height: 3m – 8m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Japanese cornelian cherry (Cornus officinalis) – KENPEI, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shrubs are fundamental elements in any garden.
They add color and interest throughout the seasons with their wide variety of flowers, foliage, fruits, trunks and stems.
Whatever the size or style of your garden, the permanent woody structure or the foliage of evergreen shrubs will give the space shape and dimension.
Other types of Cornus to consider:
See all Cornus
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Japanese cornelian cherry (Cornus officinalis), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Japanese cornelian cherry (Cornus officinalis) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.
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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).
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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.
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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 officinalis likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
Japanese cornelian cherry (Cornus officinalis) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Japanese cornelian cherry (Cornus officinalis) – Tubifex, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
