Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
ShrubsTreesSynonym

Cornus × rutgersensis Galaxy

dogwood [Celestial]

A large shrub or small, deciduous tree up to 6m in height, with an upright habit and green foliage, turning to shades of plum purple in the autumn. Masses of slightly overlapping, rounded, petal-like bracts turn flatter as they open. Tinged with green as they emerge then opening to pure white with a green centre, these appear from May to June

Synonyms
Cornus × rutgersensis 'Rutdan'
Cornus kousa 'Celestial'
see moreCornus × rutgersensis Galaxy
Cornus × rutgersiensis Celestial
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green White Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Cornaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Genus

Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour

Name status

Trade

How to grow

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

Propagation

Propagate by grafting or from semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (sometimes), cornus anthracnose diseases and powdery mildews

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.