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Cornus alternifolia 'Yellow Spring'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A vigorous, deciduous shrub or small tree up to 5m in height. Golden yellow, elongated, pointed leaves are borne alternately on the branches in spring. Lacy white heads of decorative flowers form against the yellow backdrop in spring. Leaves are greener in summer and red-purple in autumn. Dark blue fruits appear in summer.

Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White
Summer White Yellow Gold 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
H4
Botanical 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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Favours a woodland situation. Grow in fertile, humus rich, moist, acid soil which does not dry out. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by hardwood cuttings, grafting, seed.

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

Pruning group 1

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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