By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener
Even if I did not have access to a calendar, I would always know when we are nearing the end of winter. Of course, there are many signs in nature, but I defer to the blooming of my rather tall “Cornelian Cherry” tree. This unique species is a native to parts of Western Asia and southern Europe according to the folks at the extension service and grows well in zones 5 through 8. The “Cornus Mas” produces gorgeous yellow blooms and always sparks a question or two from my neighbors. The “Cornus Mas” is of course a species of dogwood. My landscape is not particularly well designed or meticulously landscaped; however, I do have some interesting plants on the premises, and the “Cornus mas” is one of them.
The “Cornelian Dogwood” is considered a small tree and may grow to a height and width of 15 to 20 feet at maturity in full sun or part shade. Well supplemented soil in a well-drained area will work best. You probably won’t have to deal with insect or disease problems. In my experience, they will be few and far between. I have noticed over the years that suckers can be a minor problem. You should prune them off below the soil surface. Our friend Anne Clapp used to recommend that. The one I planted in the early 1990s blooms at the same time as a “Witch Hazel,” “Forsythia,” and sporadically placed “Daffodils” in the Raley landscape. Fancy that, they all produce yellow blooms. Interestingly enough, I’ve read that yellow pigment is easier to produce and in late winter a plant needs to attract those few pollinators that are out there that time of year. Bees and some of the other pollinators that make an early appearance will bust a gut to get to the bright color.
As with pretty much all trees and shrubs, the bottom of their resting place should not be deeper than the root ball’s length. The hole should be twice the diameter of the root ball. Add some composted material like North Carolina-based Daddy Pete’s. They prefer a neutral pH, but will take some acidity in the soil. Water the plant well and cover with native soil. Tamp it down well to prevent air pockets in the soil which can prevent good drainage and ruin the roots. Add about three inches of hardwood mulch, pine straw or pinball chips to the base of the tree to help hold moisture and protect the root system. Don’t pile it up any higher as it’s no need to overdo it. Pull the mulch away from the trunk to protect it.
There are several cultivars of Cornelian Cherry dogwood from which to choose that will work nicely in North Carolina. Among them are:
- “Golden Glory” is sort of compact with dense yellow blooms.
- “Spring Glow” is said to be a little more heat tolerant than the standard. I wish I was more heat tolerant!
- “Alba” as its name indicates has white fruit.
- “Macrcarpa” has edible red fruit that you might turn into an edible jelly. I haven’t tried any so I can’t testify to the flavor or it would work on a State Farmer’s market biscuit. I suppose any kind of jelly would, right?
- “Varigata” is a green-white leafed cultivar as I’m sure variegation connoisseur Nelsa Cox knows very well.
- “Flava” produces white fruit.
- “Nana” is a dwarf variety that grows only a few feet high. You might be able to use this cultivar for a hedge.
- “Aureo-Elegantissi” has green, yellow and pink edges.
You may be able to find these cultivars at your local nursery. The large university public gardens are likely to have these on display.
All of us on the WPTF Weekend Gardener have long advocated using different plants in the your landscape that help produce blooms year round. The “Cornelian Cherry” dogwood will help you achieve that goal.