Cornus controversa 'Pagoda'

RHS Plant Profile
giant dogwood 'Pagoda'
Shrubs Trees

A slow-growing, deciduous shrub or tree with a pyramidal, tiered habit and pointed, oval-shaped, dark glossy green foliage turning to burgundy red in the autumn. Flat heads of creamy-white flowers appear in the spring, followed by dark blue to black berries on red stems in the autumn. Has the potential to become a very large tree up to 15m tall and wide, but growth is slow over 20 to 50 years

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cornaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or light shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings or grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

See pruning group 1

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose disease