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Cornus controversa 'Green Carpet'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A tiered, very small tree, 0.6 m–1m (1.5m), leaves elliptic, pointed, glossy green turning a fiery red in autumn. Flowers in fine corymbs very light and airy, form a pure white veil over the leaves. Followed by black berries in autumn.

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer White Green Green
Autumn Orange Red Black
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Cornaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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

Unresolved

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 or semi-hardwod cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
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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