shrub RHS Award

Golden Glory Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

Cornus mas 'Golden Glory'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

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

Average

Lifespan

Over 50 years

Native To

Europe, Western Asia

Toxicity

Fruit is edible; other parts non-toxic.

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus mas, the Cornelian cherry dogwood, is a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree native to Europe and western Asia. It is prized for its very early, bright yellow flowers that appear on bare stems long before forsythia. 'Golden Glory' is a distinct selection noted for its more upright, less spreading habit, larger flowers, and exceptionally profuse blooming, creating a more impactful floral display than the species.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

It provides significant winter interest, bursting into a cloud of yellow flowers when the landscape is still dormant. The exfoliating tan and gray bark adds texture, and the glossy red summer fruit is highly decorative.

Once established, it is a tough, adaptable plant that can be used as a tall, informal screen or hedge. The edible fruit can be harvested to make preserves, syrups, and wine.

The early flowers are a vital food source for bees waking from hibernation. The summer fruits are eagerly consumed by songbirds, squirrels, and other wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or light shade with good drainage.
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball.
Set the plant in the hole with the root flare at soil level.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water thoroughly.
Water regularly during the first year to establish roots.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

For best fruit production, plant another Cornus mas cultivar nearby to improve cross-pollination.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during extended periods of drought.
Prune after flowering to maintain desired size and shape.
Allow the plant to develop a natural multi-stemmed form if space permits.
Harvest fruits for making jams and jellies.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or consistently wet soils.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce flowering the following year.
Don't forget its ultimate size; give it ample room to grow.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote leaves over flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant early-season specimen plantEffective hedge or screening plantAnchor for a mixed shrub border

Companion Plants

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise' Helleborus x hybridus Galanthus nivalis Viburnum carlesii Fothergilla gardenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Glory Cornelian Cherry Dogwood questions

What zones can Golden Glory Cornelian Cherry Dogwood grow in?

Golden Glory 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 Golden Glory Cornelian Cherry Dogwood deer resistant?

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

When does Golden Glory Cornelian Cherry Dogwood bloom?

Golden Glory 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 Golden Glory Cornelian Cherry Dogwood need full sun?

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

Is Golden Glory Cornelian Cherry Dogwood drought tolerant?

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