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Cornus × rutgersensis 'Michael Steinhardt' (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A vigorous shrub or small tree to 7m in height with variegated leaves which have a mid-green centre with a bold wide golden edge in spring, becoming attractively patched with burgundy purple and pink in autumn. Each bloom has four blousy, rounded bracts surrounding a neat central cluster of small yellow-green flowers. Fruits are red, not necessarily seeded.

Synonyms
Cornus 'Celestial Shadow'
Cornus × rutgersensis Celestial Shadow
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Cream White Yellow Green Yellow Gold Green
Autumn Pink Red Purple Variegated Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cornaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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

Unresolved

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
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

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

Diseases

May be sucseptible to cornus anthracnose diseases, but have been bred to be more resistant.

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