Cornus alternifolia
pagoda dogwood
A large, deciduous shrub or small, graceful tree with an arching habit up to 6m in height. Glossy, purple-green stems hold alternate, dark green, ovate leaves that turn a deep purple burgundy-red in autumn. From late spring to summer, lacy white, lightly fragrant flower heads are held above the leaves. Dark blue fruits follow in summer and are soon taken by birds.
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Blue | |
| Autumn | Red Purple | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- 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 the UK
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- E N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Favours a woodland situation, but also 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
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