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Cornus wilsoniana
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Wilson's dogwood

A deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub or small tree with grey-green foliage and showy bark which ranges from green to grey to white on mature specimens. Clusters of small white flowers appear in the spring to early summer and purple-black berries in the autumn

Synonyms
Swida wilsoniana

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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver White White Grey Silver Green
Summer Green Grey Silver White White Grey Silver Green
Autumn Green Grey Silver White Purple Black
Winter Green Grey Silver White
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Cornaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous or Semi evergreen
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

Correct

Plant range
C & S China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil in sun or partial shade. It performs best in cooler summer climates, keep consistently moist and provide adequate mulch. . For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or hardwood cuttings or by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus

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