The Dogwood Trees
One of a number of species commonly known as dogwoods, Cornus florida is a native of North America and is a deciduous flowering small tree.
The two main varieties are the white flowering ‘alba’ and the red to pink flowering Cornus florida ‘rubra’.
Both are spreading deciduous trees and are an excellent ornamental tree for the garden. Reaching around 5m in height with a similar spread they require little pruning and will naturally form a nice shape if given enough space and light. The problem with this species is that it is disease prone, so not widely used in the garden.
This is a group of deciduous small trees or shrubs (with the exception of C. capitata which is evergreen)
Cornus or Dogwood varieties and species.
- Cornus kousa is the Chinese or Japanese dogwood, with C. kousa var. kousa being the Japanese form and C. kousa var.chinensis being the Chinese form. One of the most popular garden plants is a cultivar known as ‘Satomi’ .
- We also have the European species Cornus mas, prized for the fruit which are used to make jellies and other preserves. Known as the Cornelian Cherry this is another deciduous species reaching around 5m. Flowers are yellow and attractive however they are not as spectacular as some, the fruit are prized.
- C.Alba ‘Elegantissima’ has red stems and a bushy habit. Variegated foliage.
- The evergreen C. capitata is the Himalayan Dogwood, hardy and pretty yellow flowers in spring to summer, however is does have a tendency to self seed and can become a little weedy.
- C. alternifolia is the Pagoda Dodwood, a wonderfull small tree with layered branches and pretty white flowers
- Cornus alternifolia argenta is a variegated form, an excellent garden plant
- C. florida comes in two forms, the white flowering type and the pink to red flowering types. Probably the best autumn foliage of the genus.
- C. contraversa is a large tree with tiered branches, this distinct layering of the branches is a desirable element in garden design a variegated form can be found, both are slow growing.
- C. siberica is a twiggy multi stemmed shrub grown more for the colorful crimson red stems than its white flowers that appear in spring.
- As a ground cover plant, the low growing Cornus canadensis has its uses, a creeping deciduous plant with attractive green foliage and small white flowers in spring, a sometimes difficult plant and not widely used.
- C. sericea is known as the ‘Red Twig’ or ‘Red Stemmed’ Dogwood. This is a suckering variety that is grown for the brilliant red stems that are a feature in winter.
- Cornus ‘Eddies White Wonder’ has large white flower and interesting down swept branches.
- Cornus Norman Haddon
Landscaping Uses
Useful as a feature tree with attractive shape, nice foliage and bark and showy flowers in spring. Great colour in autumn and flowers that range from red through to yellow and white. They also make good small shade trees.
Most popular as feature tree, where thw foliage and attractive flowers can be seen at their best, many Cornus trees also have a nice open structure although some varieties have a shrubby habit.
Most look at their best when grown in an open position to the natural form can take its shape as a small rounded flpwering shade tree.
Flower come in clusters white to pink or yellow, followed by a fruit.
Cornus are available for sale from the following nurseries
Carey Gully, Adelaide Hills.
Family business selling a large range of deciduous trees in pots 1-4m high. Crepe myrtle specialist. Includes Ornamental pears & plums, Red maples, Japanese maples, Gingko, Cercis, Ash, Birch, Crab apples, Weeping cherries, Gleditsia, Liquidambar and more. Hedging plants, evergreen trees & fruit trees.
www.adelaidetreefarm.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
Wholesale Suppliers
"Propagation and Production of Native and Exotic Trees
with Natural Root Systems from 2 to 2,000 lts."
www.njrivett.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au