shrub RHS Award

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

Name: Cornelian Cherry Dogwood
Brand: Cornus
Availability: InStock

Cornus mas

$24.50

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Central and Southern Europe, Western Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic; fruit is edible

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus mas is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree, celebrated for being one of the very first plants to bloom. It produces clouds of tiny, bright yellow flowers on bare stems in late winter. Beyond its exceptionally early bloom time, this species is prized for its edible, tart, cherry-like red fruits in mid-summer and its attractive, exfoliating tan and brown bark which provides winter interest on mature specimens.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This plant is a four-season star. It offers a burst of cheerful yellow flowers in late winter, lush green foliage in summer, edible red fruit, purplish-red fall color, and attractive exfoliating bark on mature stems for winter appeal.

The tart, vitamin C-rich fruits can be harvested in mid-summer to make preserves, syrups, and wine. It can be grown as a dense, informal hedge or screen that is both beautiful and productive. It is also a very tough and adaptable plant.

The early flowers provide a critical, early-season nectar and pollen source for bees and other emerging pollinators. The summer fruits are a food source for birds like robins and waxwings, as well as other wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Dancing Oaks

<1 Gal Pot

In Stock$24.50

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun or part shade with good drainage.
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water well to eliminate air pockets.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant it where you can see it from a window to enjoy the cheerful yellow flowers during the bleak days of late winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during extended droughts.
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and size.
Allow it to develop a natural, multi-stemmed habit.
Plant more than one for best fruit production.

Don't

Do not plant in consistently wet or waterlogged soil.
Avoid heavy pruning, which can spoil its graceful form.
Don't expect fruit in the first few years after planting.
Don't worry about major pests or diseases; it's very robust.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Early spring specimen for winter interestInformal hedge or screenComponent of an edible landscape

Companion Plants

Helleborus orientalis Galanthus nivalis Hamamelis virginiana Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn' Crocus tommasinianus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood questions

What zones can Cornelian Cherry Dogwood grow in?

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cornelian Cherry Dogwood deer resistant?

Yes — Cornelian Cherry Dogwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Cornelian Cherry Dogwood bloom?

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cornelian Cherry Dogwood need full sun?

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Cornelian Cherry Dogwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cornelian Cherry Dogwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.