Cornus controversa
giant dogwood
A deciduous tree to 15m tall, with a distinctive tiered branching pattern and glossy, elliptic leaves often turning purple in autumn; flat clusters of small white flowers may be followed by small, blue-black berries
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Black Blue | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Himalaya, China, Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus
Get involved
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