Cornus alternifolia Golden Shadows ('Wstackman'PBR) (v)
pagoda dogwood [Golden Shadows]
A deciduous, shrub or small, delicately layered tree up to 3.6m. Variegated, ovate leaves with irregular yellow-green centres and golden yellow margins are held alternately on the stems. They are flushed orange-red at the tips in spring and colour more deeply in autumn. Heads of lacy white flowers appear above the luminous leaves in spring. Dark blue fruits follow in summer that provide food for birds.
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Yellow Orange | Blue | |
| Autumn | Orange Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, 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
Favours a woodland situation, avoiding full sun. Grow in fertile, humus rich, moist, acid soil which does not dry out. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to mussel scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus
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.