Cornus suecica
dwarf cornel
An attractive, dwarf, deciduous shrub with a dense, spreading habit and oval-shaped, dark green foliage, turning to red and purple in the autumn. Large, white flowers with purple stamens appear early to mid-summer, followed by clusters of bright red berries which are eaten by birds in the autumn. Good for ground cover and in shady and peaty areas
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | 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
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- 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
Correct
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
- Ground cover
- 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
Get involved
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