Dogwood is represented by over 45 ornamental species of shrubs. This group includes both small cover plants (e.g. Canadian dogwood) and branchy park shrubs.The most famous are the 3-meter-long forms that are grown in hedge and solitary plantings, represented primarily by two varieties of white dogwood: 'Sibirica' and 'Spaethii'.Both species, planted in in the form of a mixed hedge, they give a wonderful color effect in winter and early spring. Another dogwood with colorful sprouts is the dogwood 'Flaviramea'. In winter, its shoots turn yellow.
More and more popular in cultivation are currentlyderenie kousathe 'Venus' variety, which was created as a result of many years of breeding work and is characterized by incredibly large white flowers. In addition, it is characterized by high durability.grows very quickly, therefore, in order to tame it, it is worth pruning the shoots after flowering.'Venus' grows to a height of about 6 meters and in mature age it can be very branchy. Keep this in mind when planning new plantings.
Flower dogwood up close
Many attractive white and pink flowering varieties have flowering dogwood. This species comes from North America, where it has enjoyed unflagging recognition for years.An alternative to flowering dogwood is dogwood Nuttalla Cornus nuttallii.Although it is classified as partially frost-resistant, in our conditions it is recommended to grow it only in sheltered positions.
Dogwoods look very attractive during the flowering period, i.e. in May and June, and later in the autumn fruiting period, when they produce red, blackberry-like fruits. Although they are edible, unfortunately they do not have any special taste qualities.Let's also add that what we call dogwood flowers is actually flowers, because the flower proper is in the center and is very inconspicuous.Leaves of many species, for example kousa and flower dogwood, color to a fiery red color in the fall.
Success in dogwood cultivation depends to a large extent on the selection of the optimal position. Flower dogwood prefers a slightly acidic and humus substrate in sunny or partial shade positions. Bushes are irreplaceable companions of rhododendrons.If the substrate is not acidic, improve it with soil for rhododendrons, preferably by pouring the substrate into the planting hole.
A less ornamental but early-flowering species is dogwood, the fruit of which is suitable for tinctures.
Varieties of dogwoods not only with ornamental flowers
Perfect solitaire
Dogwood PagodaCornus controversa of the cultivar 'Variegata' is valuable not because of its flowering ( although the flowers have some ornamental value), but above all an original form of growth. This variant has the form
a tree or shrub with widely spread side shoots forming a pagoda
Red White Dogwood
Dogwood white'Sibirica' is distinguished by beautiful coral-red shoots. Its qualities are fully visible in autumn and winter. Only young shoots have a red color, so every few years it is worth rejuvenating the bushes with strong pruning. The 'Sibirica' variety is not demanding, it tolerates low temperatures
