Cornus, also known as Dogwoods, are beautiful trees and shrubs which are used as feature plants as well as screens. Dogwoods flower in spring & summer and although the flowers are small, the range of colours from pink, red, cream and white are simply stunning.  Dogwoods thrive in locations that have diverse seasons and need a cold winter for maximum flowering.


How to grow Cornus in a garden

  1. Choose a position in full sun or part shade with well drained soil.
  2. Enrich the soil with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed and Yates Nature's Way Organic Compost & Soil Improver. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well. 
  3. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.
  4. Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well. 
  5. Mulch with an organic mulch like woodchip or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.
  6. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
  7. During the growing and flowering season feed with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food. TIP: for an added boost apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate
  8. Cuttings can be taken in the summer and autumn and propagated also at this time. To improve the success rate of cuttings, try Yates Clonex Root Gel - Hard Wood Red.

How to grow Cornus in a pot

  1. Choose a pot at least 500mm wide.
  2. Position in full sun or part shade and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
  3. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.
  4. Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Water in well.
  5. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
  6. During the growing and flowering season, apply Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food. Throughout the year apply Yates Thrive Fish Blood & Bone Plant Food Concentrate.

Growing tips

  • Some species have edible fruits.

  • Plants can also be propagated by seed.
     
  • New plants can be propagated by layering of the stems.

More Plants

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Dwarf Pōhutukawa (AKA Pacific Rata or Tahitian Pohutukawa) is a fantastic flowering shrub or small tree ideal for use as a feature plant, hedge or screen.

Daphne

Daphne is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves and beautifully fragrant flowers in shades of white and pink. Grow in the garden or in pots.

Smoke Bush

Smoke Bush is an ideal shrub to add a splash of foliage colour to gardens. It provides year-round seasonal interest and looks fabulous in both gardens and pots.

Picea

Piceas, or Spruces, are evergreen coniferous trees from the Pinaceae family with a lovely conical shape, needle-like leaves and ornate pendulous cones.

Recommended products

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.