There are about 40 species of deciduous and evergreen tree and shrubs in this genus, which is commonly known as dogwood. A few are ornamental and grown in the garden for their autumn leaf color, their colored winter stems, and their branches covered in blankets of "flowers", which may be composed of large petals or wide decorative bracts surrounding small insignificant flowers. The simple oval leaves are usually opposite each other, and the fleshy fruits have stones.
CULTIVATION
Requirements include sun or semi-shade, good drainage, and a fertile neutral to acid soil. Plants chosen for their winter stem color are best grown in full sun and cut back in early spring. In the right conditions Cornus species are easily grown but, if pushed to their limits, they may fail to flower or may fall victim to milkdew, leaf spot, and crown canke. Propagate the multi-stemmed species by layering of sucker growths, from hardwood cuttings taken in summer or autumn, or from seed, which should be cleaned of flesh and cold-stratified for at least 3 months. The large-bracted species can be raised from seed (also stratified), half-hardened cuttings in summer, or by grafting in the case of prized cultivars.
Top Tip
Dogwoods are picturesque trees that look beautiful in every season; they are superb in woodland gardens, or featured by the edge of a reflective pool or pond.
CULTIVATION
Requirements include sun or semi-shade, good drainage, and a fertile neutral to acid soil. Plants chosen for their winter stem color are best grown in full sun and cut back in early spring. In the right conditions Cornus species are easily grown but, if pushed to their limits, they may fail to flower or may fall victim to milkdew, leaf spot, and crown canke. Propagate the multi-stemmed species by layering of sucker growths, from hardwood cuttings taken in summer or autumn, or from seed, which should be cleaned of flesh and cold-stratified for at least 3 months. The large-bracted species can be raised from seed (also stratified), half-hardened cuttings in summer, or by grafting in the case of prized cultivars.
Top Tip
Dogwoods are picturesque trees that look beautiful in every season; they are superb in woodland gardens, or featured by the edge of a reflective pool or pond.
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