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Cornus alternifolia
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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.

Other common names
pagoda dogwood
Synonyms
Swida alternifolia
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
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

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

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

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