The short answer

Quick Answer

Cornus (Dogwood) thrives in full sun or partial shade or full shade on most soils (pH 5.5-7), free-draining. Reaches shrub cornus 2 to 3m. tree cornus 3 to 6m. Hardy to around -25°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Shrub cornus: late March. Tree cornus: minimal, midsummer after flowering

How: Shrub cornus: coppice to 5 to 10cm above ground every one to two years for bright stems. Tree cornus: remove only dead or crossing branches

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: North America, Europe and Asia

Native or exotic: Cornus sanguinea (common dogwood) is a UK native. Others are exotic

History: Shrub cornus were widely planted in UK gardens from the 1800s for winter colour

Folklore: In Christian tradition, dogwood was said to have been used for the cross, and was cursed to remain small afterwards

Fun fact: The common name dogwood may come from daggers, originally dagwood, as the hard wood was used to make skewers

Historical medicinal uses: Cornus officinalis used in Chinese medicine. Not for self-use

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Tree cornus flowers attract bees. Berries feed birds in autumn [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Berries feed birds. Native C. sanguinea supports many insects[3][4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Stems glow from November to March. Tree cornus flowers June to July[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Plant shrub cornus with ferns and hellebores for winter contrast. Tree cornus pairs with hostas and dicentra underneath

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Dogwood anthracnose on C. florida in wet seasons. See RHS dogwood anthracnose advice

Invasive note: Not invasive. C. sericea can sucker mildly

CGM care note

For the brightest winter stems, we coppice shrub cornus hard in late March, before the buds break. We alternate the pruning year to year on each clump so there are always some mature stems for the birds to perch on.

CGM guides mentioning Cornus (Dogwood)

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Cornus (Dogwood) and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Cornus (Dogwood)

How Cornus (Dogwood) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Hawthorn, provides food and shelter for wildlife, berries, nectar or nesting sites
  • Blackthorn, provides food and shelter for wildlife, berries, nectar or nesting sites
  • Hazel, provides food and shelter for wildlife, berries, nectar or nesting sites
  • Sorbus (Rowan and Whitebeam), provides food and shelter for wildlife, berries, nectar or nesting sites
  • Malus (Ornamental Crab Apple), provides food and shelter for wildlife, berries, nectar or nesting sites
  • Cotoneaster, provides food and shelter for wildlife, berries, nectar or nesting sites

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Cornus (Dogwood).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Cornus (Dogwood) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Cornus (Dogwood) (Cornus alba, Cornus sericea, Cornus sanguinea, Cornus florida, Cornus kousa). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Cornus (Dogwood). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Cornus alba, Cornus sericea, Cornus sanguinea, Cornus florida, Cornus kousa. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Cornaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Xiang QY, Thomas DT, Zhang W, et al. (2006). Species level phylogeny of Cornus. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 38(1), 1-19.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Cornaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, seasonal_highlight, biodiversity_value.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Cornus (Dogwood). The pollinator description above ("Tree cornus flowers attract bees. Berries feed birds in autumn") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Berries feed birds. Native C. sanguinea supports many insects") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Stems glow from November to March. Tree cornus flowers June to July".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Tree cornus flowers attract bees. Berries feed birds in autumn"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Cornus (Dogwood)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Berries feed birds. Native C. sanguinea supports many insects") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Cornus (Dogwood). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Cornus (Dogwood)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Cornaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Cornus (Dogwood). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Cornus (Dogwood). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Cornus (Dogwood). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Cornus (Dogwood). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Cornus (Dogwood). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Cornus (Dogwood). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Cornus (Dogwood). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Cornus (Dogwood) performs well locally

Towns where Cornus (Dogwood) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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