Golden Cornelian Cherry Dogwood
Cornus mas 'Aurea'
Overview
Golden Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas 'Aurea') is an amazing ornamental shrub with year-round interest. Its bright yellow-green flowers in spring and its clusters of bright red berries in fall, turn it into a real eye-catcher. Its gorgeous yellow foliage in the summer and its bright red fall foliage bring even more attention when the leaves start to change color. This shrub is easy to grow and requires little pruning. It makes an ideal background for your garden or other landscaping. With its beautiful blooms, marvelous foliage and its low-maintenance nature, this shrub is an excellent choice for adding beauty and interest to any garden.
Care Guide
Watering
Golden Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas 'Aurea') should be watered deeply once per week during the first growing season. During hot, dry weather give the plant an extra deep watering. In subsequent years, water the plant only when the soil is dry—check 1-2” down into the soil. Overwatering can cause root rot, so be sure not to overwater regularly.
Light
Golden Cornelian Cherry Dogwood trees thrive in full sun to partial shade but they should get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order for proper flowering and fruiting. They prefer cooler climates where the summer heat isn’t overbearing. In the summer months, they should be in direct sunlight until noontime to get the healthiest blooms and fruits. During the spring and fall months, 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day is ideal. If the trees are getting too much shade, they won’t bloom and the foliage will be noticeably less vibrant in color.
Soil
Well-drained
Temperature
Hardiness zone 6-6.
Pruning
When to prune Golden Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas 'Aurea') is largely dependent on the desired look of the shrub. Pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring. Light pruning is recommended as this plant has a tendency to respond to heavy pruning with vigorous growth. This growth can interfere with the beautiful yellow branches of the plant. The only pruning that is necessary is any dead or diseased branches, however, deadheading can also be done to help maintain the desired shape of the plant. Pruning should be done gently as to not cause branch breakage from the weight of flowers or berries. Pruning should be kept to a minimum in order to keep this shrub healthy and strong.
Propagation
Seed Propagation, Greenwood Cuttings, Greenwood Cuttings
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Birds.
Diseases & Pests
Common pests: Anthracnose, Nematodes, Root rot, Scale insects, Stem borer insects, Thrips, Deer resistant, Drought resistant .
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