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.
How to care for Cornus mas:
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.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
4m
Eventual spread:
4m
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
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This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
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CAUTION toxic if eaten/skin & eye irritant