This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist but well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: January to February
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Masses of tiny, acid-yellow flowers on bare stems in January and February, followed by bright red, late summer fruits, and dark green leaves, turning red-purple in autumn. This vigorous, spreading cornelian cherry is an excellent specimen tree for a woodland garden. It will happily grow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade alongside Lonicera fragrantissima and Galanthus nivalis for an early, fragrant display.
  
  
• Garden care: Incorporate a quantity of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure in the planting hole to improve the moisture-retentive qualities the soil. In early spring remove any misplaced or crossing branches and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure around the base of the plant.