Flowering dogwoods from Junker's Nursery (22)

Tree Cornus or "Flowering Dogwood"

This attractive group of plants is not as widely known and used in this country as they deservedly are in the States. We are often asked for the species florida, kousa or nuttallii as many people are unaware that there are so many better selected forms.

We do not grow the species for several reasons. They would generally be grown from seed; this naturally gives rise to variation. The plants can take several years to flower and then prove to be inferior. Imagine the disappointment!

By grafting, we can perpetuate a particular feature, whether flower size, growth habit and size, colour or foliage variegation. Cornus nuttallii particularly is not a happy plant in the somewhat damp British climate and prone to sudden death when grown from seed. By grafting it onto a tougher rootstock we an not only make it easier to grow, but we can guarantee its flowering characteristics.

We graft all the forms of florida, nuttallii and kousa onto the geographical variant Cornus kousa var. chinensis. It is the hardiest and most vigorous, getting the young plants off to the best possible start. It also ensures that the plants will flower from a very early age.

They particularly like a moisture retentive soil, as the nuttalliis and floridas especially have large leaves which can lose water rapidly in the summer. Interestingly, we have been told of plants doing well on chalk too.

The attractive parts of the flower head are actually bracts which resemble petals and surround the tiny true flowers in the centre. These are white in the species, but there are now many pink cultivars too. Since they are bracts not flowers, they last longer, often starting green and star like before expanding to a more rounded shape as the true flower opens. In some cultivars, the bracts then mature to pink.

CORNUS alternifolia 'Argentea'
This is a truly wonderful large shrub or small tree. Although closely related, and in some ways similar, this should not be confused with the "Wedding Cake Tree". This one is smaller growing and the green leaves, brightly edged with creamy white are also smaller. It also has panicles of white flowers in May. It will have an incredibly beautiful layered habit as it develops, although this will grow out at maturity, when its will be 3-4m. We have found this established quite readily, even on our heavy clay, and is rarely damaged by late frost. However, it can be slow to get going, so I would strongly recommend starting with a larger plant - when we have them!
From £24.50
Fantastic specimens available too - please ask for details

CORNUS alternifolia 'Silver Giant'
Our own introduction, this plant is rather exciting. Occurring as a sport on a Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea', the variegation is much more subtle. The central portion is an almost greyish green, whilst the margin is a silvery white. This lesser variegation makes it blend in better with a more natural setting, whilst also giving it more vigour. Thus it is a jolly good garden plant which seems very tolerant of most situations.
From £24.50
Fantastic specimens available too - please ask for details

CORNUS alternifolia 'Winter Gold'
Another of our own introductions! This one has amazing golden-coral coloured stems in winter (nearly as good as the fabled stem Cornus) yet with the wonderful tiered habit of this species. The foliage is almost green, but it is illuminated by the subtlest of golden variegation, according to light and fertiliser levels.
From £27.50

CORNUS alternifolia 'Winter Orange'
We had already unofficially named our selection above when we became aware of this cultivar on the continent. Of course we had to have one to compare! This one certainly does have orangey bark in winter, but it definitely lacks the subtle variegation which first drew our attention to our plant. A worthwhile addition to our collection nevertheless.
From £27.50

CORNUS canadensis
So different from our other Cornus that it is hard to believe it is the same genus. This is a dear little woodland carpeter growing only a few inches tall and spreading slowly. The family resemblance is revealed with the white flower bracts in early summer, then lovely autumn colour. In an ideal world, plant in groups to give a better effect.
£9.80

CORNUS controversa 'Pagoda'
A named grafted green leaved form which will therefore form the traditional layered habit from a much younger age than it does when grown from seed.
From £27.50

CORNUS controversa 'Variegata'
The well known "Wedding Cake Tree" is a beautiful small tree with well defined layered branches, striking creamy margined leaves and red stems. Flowers and berries as the species. Lovely pink and red shades of autumn colour. Beautiful larger plants available.
From £27.50

CORNUS controversa 'Variegata Frans Type'
This distinct form originated in Northern France. The leaves are a more grey green than the more common form and the cream margin rather narrower. This results in a more vigorous and robust constitution and is therefore better suited to less ideal sites. Other features are the same.
From £27.50

CORNUS 'Eddies White Wonder'
(C. florida x C. nuttallii) Just to further confuse matters, there are two forms of this popular plant. We offer the true American form, which is similar to C. Ascona with its lightly pendulous habit. The other is much more upright and more akin to C. Ormonde. Large white flower bracts in May, and fantastic red and orange autumn colour.
See also the cultivars of Cornus nuttallii.
From £27.50